India’s stand-in opener KL Rahul showcased his class and temperament as he brought up a well-crafted fifty on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Batting at the top in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Rahul proved his mettle with a composed innings that helped India build a commanding position in the match.
Steadying the ship
Rahul reached his fifty off 123 balls, dabbing Mitchell Marsh wide of the gully for a single. His innings was a testament to his ability to absorb pressure and play the anchor role. This was his second significant contribution in the match, having also scored crucial runs in the first innings on a tricky surface.
India takes control
India had already gained the upper hand earlier in the day, bowling Australia out for just 104, thanks to a five-wicket haul from Jasprit Bumrah. Rahul, alongside his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, ensured that India capitalized on the lead. The duo added crucial runs, with their partnership crossing the 100-run mark as Australia struggled to break through.
Patience and perseverance
Rahul’s innings was built on a foundation of patience, as he adeptly played the moving ball and left deliveries in the channel outside off stump. His knock was characterized by soft hands and intelligent shot selection, as he avoided risky strokes and rotated the strike effectively.
Filling the leadership void
Promoted to open in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Rahul showed maturity and adaptability in his new role. His composed innings not only extended India’s lead but also provided stability at the top of the order, putting the team in a commanding position heading into the final session.
Brief Scores:
India 150 & 104/0 (KL Rahul 50*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 42*) lead Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5-30, Harshit Rana 3-48) by 150 runs