India are firmly in control of the 1st Test against Australia after an impressive Day 2 performance. India’s bowlers were exceptional on both days, bowling Australia out for a mere 104 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer with a remarkable 5-wicket haul. Australia’s batting woes continued as they failed to handle Bumrah’s threat and the disciplined bowling of the Indian pacers. India then made a strong reply in their second innings, reaching 172/0 by the close of play, with both openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, showing excellent composure.

Jasprit Bumrah’s magical bowling puts India in command against Australia

Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership was vital for India as they took charge of the match. His five-wicket haul, including the crucial scalps of Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith, demonstrated his mastery over Australian batters. Despite a few strong starts from players like Nathan McSweeney and Mitchell Starc, the Aussie batting crumbled under the pressure exerted by Bumrah and his fellow bowlers.

His five wickets helped bowl Australia out for their second-lowest total at home against India. This performance leveled Bumrah with Kapil Dev’s milestone of 5-wicket hauls for India. The bowling attack was well-rounded, with Mohammed Siraj’s tight spell providing crucial support. Bumrah’s leadership in this situation proved decisive, as he led from the front and inspired his team to bowl with discipline, ensuring that Australia had no room to recover.

India’s openers shine in the 2nd innings: Yashavi Jaiswal and KL Rahul

India’s response with the bat was solid, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul making light work of the Australian bowling attack. The pair’s partnership remained unbroken at 172/0 by the end of Day 2, with Jaiswal, in particular, playing an outstanding knock of 90 off 193 balls. His patient approach was a standout, as he made sure to accumulate runs in an efficient manner, with his crisp boundaries punctuating his innings. Rahul, on the other hand, was equally resolute, contributing 62 runs off 153 balls, forming a strong foundation for India’s lead. The pair’s controlled aggression kept Australia at bay throughout the day.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood tried hard to break through, but the Australian bowlers were unable to make any breakthroughs. The pitch, which had provided assistance for the seamers on Day 1, seemed to be flattening out, allowing India’s top order to dictate terms. India’s commanding position is built on the solid contributions of the openers, leaving the Australian bowlers looking for answers.

Australia’s batting struggles continue

Australia’s batting woes continued, as they failed to recover from the early blows struck by Bumrah’s brilliant spell on Day 1. The hosts had only managed 104 runs in their first innings, with no batter managing to score more than 26 runs. Mitchell Starc’s contribution of 26 off 112 balls was the highest, but his effort came at a snail’s pace, and he ultimately fell victim to Harshit Rana, who was another bowler to leave a mark with the ball. The struggles of key players like Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith were a major concern for Australia, as they failed to counter the Indian attack effectively.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Using all my years of cricket wisdom, I think that was India’s day!

IND 172/0 and lead by 218 runs at close on Day 2.

JAISWAL PURE CLASS.#AUSvIND #AUSvsIND #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS

— James Buttler | Cricket Badger Podcast 🏏🦡🇺🇦 (@cricket_badger) November 23, 2024

Two contrasting days of test cricket.

After all the build up & the injuries, I didn’t expect us to be in commanding position by day 2, certainly not in Perth. But cricket thy name is uncertainty!

Anything can happen, at anytime. Just what makes this game so beautiful.#AUSvIND

— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) November 23, 2024

WHAT. A. DAY! 🫡💙 #AavaDe | #AUSvIND

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) November 23, 2024

Phenomenal partnership between @ybj_19 and @klrahul. Perfect example of driving home the advantage. Well played and keep going tomorrow 👏🏻 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/2BcLeZTjA3

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 23, 2024

Massive. Massive day at work for #TeamIndia!

Yes the tail wagged but India got the job done with a slender lead of 46 runs.

Conditions got better yes but the way in which KL and Jaiswal have stayed put, absolutely resolute Test match batting.

Lead of 218. Chance to bat them…

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 23, 2024

Australia might be in a quandary going forward: Make spicy tracks and Bumrah will run through. Make flat tracks and Indian batters are quite comfortable with regular bounce.

Maybe drop in some raging turners! #AusvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) November 23, 2024

KL Rahul and Jaiswal ensure India lose 0 wickets on day 2 and have a lead of 218 runs. Terrific day for the visitors down under 👏 #AUSvIND

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) November 23, 2024

Reckon India shaded that day’s play#AUSvIND

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) November 23, 2024

Australia beat New Zealand 2-0 in NZ
New Zealand beat India 3-0 in IND
India dominating Australia in Perth

Cricket. Funny game.#AUSvIND | #BorderGavaskarTrophy

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) November 23, 2024

Outstanding from India. They can now control this game from here. Need to bat long enough for the sun to dry this surface and open up a few cracks.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 23, 2024

Loving this partnership between @ybj_19 & @klrahul .. So much skill on show .. but the most impressive is the discipline in defence .. it’s exactly the way to Bat in Oz against this quality .. #AUSvINDIA

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 23, 2024

Hey Mitch Starc, from one left arm fast bowler to another, I know exactly how it feels to be whipped by Yashasvi Jaiswal for six in that fashion. At least this didn’t fly over the railway tracks in Mumbai & you weren’t blamed for the ball being lost #AusvInd

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 23, 2024

Day 2: Stumps – India lead by 218 runs#AUSvIND #Test #cricket #KLRahul #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/tc15QkQIuD

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 23, 2024

Day two belonged to India!

Jaiswal and Rahul get through the final two sessions unbeaten #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/hFmviyjvVy

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024

A

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.