Yashasvi Jaiswal and Marnus Labuschagne were involved in a light-hearted yet fiery banter on Day 2 of the first Test between India and Australia at Perth. The incident occurred during the third session, with India dominating the proceedings as Jaiswal and KL Rahul forged a solid opening stand. Labuschagne, fielding close-in, threw verbal jabs at Jaiswal, who cheekily responded by challenging him to throw the ball at the stumps.
The moment added a touch of drama to a day that largely belonged to India. Jaiswal, unfazed by the exchanges, continued his composed innings, batting on 79* off 178 balls at stumps. His partner, KL Rahul, also contributed significantly with a gritty 57* off 131 deliveries. Together, they stitched an unbroken partnership of 151 runs, propelling India to a commanding 197-run lead.
India’s dominance on Day 2
India started the day with a slender first-innings lead of 46 runs after bundling out Australia for a mere 104, courtesy of a stellar five-wicket haul by captain Jasprit Bumrah. Debutant Harshit Rana also impressed with three wickets, troubling the Australian batters with his pace and bounce.
In their second innings, the Indian openers displayed remarkable composure and discipline against the Australian attack. The seam-friendly conditions that wreaked havoc on Day 1 seemed to have eased up, allowing Jaiswal and Rahul to settle in and play their shots. Jaiswal, in particular, showcased a mix of elegance and grit, hitting seven boundaries and a six during his knock.
Yashasvi Jaiswal having the time of his life in Australia pic.twitter.com/KpHok4G05H
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) November 23, 2024
Labuschagne’s frustration and Jaiswal’s confidence
Labuschagne, known for his animated presence on the field, seemed frustrated as the Indian duo piled on the runs. His attempts to rattle Jaiswal with words only highlighted the Aussie fielders’ growing desperation. Jaiswal, however, turned the tables with his cheeky remarks, drawing applause from the Indian dressing room and fans.
The banter underscored Jaiswal’s rising confidence, as the young opener has been in sublime form in 2024, breaking records and cementing his place in the Indian Test side.
Match situation
India ended Day 2 at 151/0 in their second innings, with a lead of 197 runs and all 10 wickets in hand. The Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, looked toothless as the pitch seemed to have flattened out. With Jaiswal and Rahul firmly set, India will aim to extend their lead further on Day 3 and put the hosts under immense pressure.
Brief Scores:
- India: 150 & 151/0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 79*, KL Rahul 57*)
- Australia: 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5-30, Harshit Rana 3-48)
India remains in the driver’s seat, and if the openers continue their sublime form, the visitors could set an unassailable target for Australia in the coming sessions.