India seized control of the Perth Test against Australia on Day 2 with a commanding performance, thanks to a brilliant opening stand by KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal and a lethal bowling display by Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana. By the close of play, India had stretched their lead to 218 runs without losing a wicket in their second innings.

Key Highlights of the Day:

Jasprit Bumrah's Five-Wicket Haul:
Starting the day strong, Bumrah dismissed Alex Carey with the first ball, continuing his fiery spell from Day 1. Supported by debutant Harshit Rana, who took three wickets, India bowled out Australia for just 104, securing a crucial 46-run first-innings lead. The standout was Bumrah’s clinical 5/30, dismantling Australia's batting lineup.

Australia's Resilience at the End:
Despite the carnage, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood stitched a valiant 25-run stand for the last wicket. Their effort allowed Australia to breach the 100-run mark, but the hosts remained on the back foot.

India’s Flawless Opening Partnership:
KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased patience and skill against a challenging Australian pace attack. Both reached half-centuries, with Jaiswal showing flair by hitting Starc for a six and breaking the record for the most sixes in Tests in a calendar year (34). The duo remained unbeaten, taking India's total to 172/0 by stumps.

Missed Chances by Australia:
The Australian fielders failed to capitalize on two opportunities—a dropped catch of Jaiswal by Usman Khawaja and a run-out miss of KL Rahul by Steve Smith—further deepening their woes.

Statistical Milestones:

• Rahul’s Achievement: Became the second Indian opener, after Virender Sehwag, to be involved in three 100-plus opening stands in SENA countries since 2000.
• Jaiswal’s Record: His innings included his ninth Test fifty, capped by his 34th six of the year, a record in the format.

What Lies Ahead?

With a solid lead and ten wickets in hand, India is poised to push for a massive target. Australia, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle on a pitch that has increasingly flattened out.

Brief Scores:

• India: 150 & 172/0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 90*, KL Rahul 62*)
• Australia: 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48)

India leads by 218 runs. Stay tuned to My India Times for the latest updates on this thrilling Test match.