Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul became the sixth visiting opening pair to notch a 200-plus partnership in Test cricket on Australian soil. Their monumental 201-run stand during India’s second innings of the Perth Test against Australia in 2024 joins an illustrious list of historic opening stands by touring teams in Australia.
Visiting Opening Pairs with 200-Plus Stands in Australia
- 323 – Jack Hobbs & Wilfred Rhodes (ENG), Melbourne, 1912
- 283 – Jack Hobbs & Herbert Sutcliffe (ENG), Melbourne, 1925
- 234 – Bob Barber & Geoffrey Boycott (ENG), Sydney, 1966
- 223 – Bill Athey & Chris Broad (ENG), Perth (WACA), 1986
- 203 – Michael Atherton & Graham Gooch (ENG), Adelaide, 1991
- 201 – Yashasvi Jaiswal & KL Rahul (IND), Perth (Optus), 2024
A Historic Feat for India
The Jaiswal-Rahul partnership stands out as the only one by Indian openers in this exclusive list. Their gritty and composed display at the crease reflects the growth of India’s batting lineup in overseas conditions. Jaiswal’s scintillating 110* and Rahul’s steady 77 set the tone for India’s dominant position in the match.
The partnership, built on a combination of skillful strokeplay and patient defense, highlighted the challenges faced by Australian bowlers who struggled to break through on a pitch offering little assistance. Jaiswal’s century was his first on Australian soil and a testament to his temperament after a challenging first innings, while Rahul’s second fifty of the match showed his consistency as a top-order batter.
Context of the Match
India, having bowled Australia out for 104 in their first innings, now lead by 259 runs on Day 3. Jaiswal and Rahul’s efforts have given India a commanding position as they look to push for a historic win at Perth. This partnership not only etched their names in the record books but also strengthened India’s quest for victory in the first Test of the series.