NEW DELHI: Team India openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul on Sunday etched their names in the record books with an unbeaten opening partnership of 201 runs during the first Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth.
This incredible performance in the second innings not only provided India with a commanding position in the match but also became the highest-ever opening stand for India in Australia, surpassing the previous record of 191 runs set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth at Sydney in 1986.
Partnership List (India’s Highest Opening Stands in Australia):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul – 201 runs (2024)
- Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikkanth – 191 runs (1986)
- Chetan Chauhan, Sunil Gavaskar – 165 runs (1981)
- Aakash Chopra, Virender Sehwag – 141 runs (2003)
- Mulvantrai Mankad, Chintaman Sarwate – 124 runs (1948)
The partnership now ranks sixth among overall Indian partnerships in Australia, topped by the iconic 353-run stand between VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar.
It unfolded on Day 3, with Jaiswal and Rahul demonstrating remarkable composure and skill against a formidable Australian bowling lineup.
Facing bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins on a lively Perth pitch, the duo blunted the initial attack with disciplined batting.
Jaiswal showcased his class with a scintillating century, marked by a plethora of boundaries, while KL Rahul contributed an elegant 77, anchoring the innings with a mix of patience and timely aggression.
This achievement came on the back of India’s shaky start in the first innings, where they were bundled out for a modest 150.
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However, the bowlers staged a dramatic comeback, dismissing Australia for a paltry 104, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spell of 5/30 and crucial support from Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana.
With a slender 46-run lead, India’s openers seized the momentum in the second innings.
The stand between Jaiswal and Rahul overtook notable milestones, such as Gavaskar-Chauhan’s 165-run partnership at Melbourne in 1981 and Sehwag-Chopra’s 141-run effort in 2003. Their efforts have secured India a massive lead on Day 3.