Rahul silences doubters as Indian openers dominate Australia | Cricket news

India close Day Two of the first Test on 172-0 in their second innings in Perth, leading Australia by 218.

Makeshift opener KL Rahul has repaid the faith India have shown in him despite recent struggles, helping put the visitors in a driving position against Australia in the first Test in Perth on Saturday.

Rahul finished unbeaten on 62 as India reached 172 for no loss at the end of Day Two, leading by 218 and bowling Australia out for 104.

The 32-year-old played an unlucky game, silencing his critics by matching the youthfulness of Yashasvi Jaiswal (90*) with the maturity that comes from 10 years, and sometimes outside, of the test team.

“They worked very hard,” pace chief Harshit Rana said of India’s opening pair. “It was not easy at first but they spent time in the middle and then they did not face any real problem.”

Rahul used the same mature approach on a dismal opening day, when India were bowled out for 150 in two overs by the Australian seamer. The Bengaluru-born right-hander was the only top-order batsman who was determined to keep his wicket, but luck was not in his favour.

The third umpire adjudged on review that Snicko had shown the ball to Mitchell Starc rather than keeper Alex Carey and Rahul had to run out for 26. It is common ground, however, for a player who has been mercilessly trolled online for his inconsistent form. .

The reasons ranged from a strange sacking for India A this month where he left direct football, to his poor Indian Premier League batting form – his Lucknow Super Giants let him go this year. Head coach Gautam Gambhir jumped to Rahul’s defence, praising his versatility and ability to bat wherever needed.

Rohit’s new baby and Rahul’s new opportunity

In this Test, he was remembered as an opener in place of Rohit Sharma who is not playing due to the birth of his second child. “The way he saw the new ball at the beginning, it was very helpful for the team because if you don’t lose early wickets, batting becomes much easier,” said Rana.

Rahul hit four boundaries in his 153-ball stand, but could have been happier with the 48th over. By bowling Mitchell Marsh to third man, he made his 16th Test fifty – and received a warm welcome from the crowd of 32,368.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins was left looking for answers, and part-timers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne were unable to provide, with the ever-stretching Jaiswal delivering spinner Nathan Lyon over long-on to put the cherry on the visitors’ day.

“We have problems to solve before us. “There’s no doubt that we’re far behind in this game right now, so India have got the driver’s seat right now,” said Australia’s coach, Andrew McDonald.

Earlier, Australian No. 9 Mitchell Starc scored 26 and was the only batsman to offer any meaningful resistance as Jasprit Bumrah and Rana (3-48) took the session to bowl out the last three wickets.

Bumrah got his 11th Test five-wicket with his first ball of the day, a back-to-length and off Alex Carey (21) that beat keeper Rishabh Pant.

Before Rana was brought in to deliver a simple delivery to Pant, Starc hit a helmet and a shoulder during his 112-ball stay, persevering and showing intent that his team’s batsmen lacked.