NEW DELHI: India openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul etched their names in the record books with an unbeaten opening-wicket 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 opening-wicket stand for India in Australia, surpassing the previous record of 191 runs set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth at Sydney in 1986.
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The partnership ranks sixth among overall Indian partnerships in Australia, topped by the iconic 353-run stand between VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar.
India’s highest opening-wicket partnerships 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)
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.
