Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal etched their names in the record books by registering the highest first-wicket partnership for India in Test cricket on Australian soil. Their colossal 201-run stand on Day 3 of the Perth Test surpassed Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth's 191-run partnership at Sydney in 1986. This historic effort marked the first time an Indian opening pair crossed the 200-run mark in Australia, ending a 19-year wait since Sehwag and Chopra’s 123-run stand in Sydney in 2004.

Rahul, steady and calculated, played a patient knock of 77 runs off 176 balls before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, Jaiswal showcased his brilliance, continuing from an overnight score of 90* to bring up his maiden overseas Test century in grand fashion. His knock of 105 off 215 balls, adorned with eight boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his remarkable composure and exquisite timing.

Turning the tables after a poor start

India’s first-innings collapse, which saw them bundled out for 150, was followed by a stunning fightback led by Jasprit Bumrah, whose fiery spell restricted Australia to 104, giving India a vital 46-run lead. In the second innings, Rahul and Jaiswal put on a masterclass in opening batting. Beginning cautiously, they frustrated the Australian bowlers with impeccable technique before accelerating to punish loose deliveries.

The partnership’s significance extended beyond records; it provided a solid foundation for India to dominate the game. Jaiswal’s audacious strokeplay against Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, including a towering six to bring up his century, underscored his growing stature as India’s next batting superstar. Despite Starc dismissing Rahul in the 63rd over, the 201-run stand had already shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

See Also: Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal reaches century in Perth Test with stunning six

A historic feat on Australian soil

This partnership also became the highest by a visiting opening pair in Australia outside England since 1912, surpassing the legendary Jack Hobbs and Wilfred Rhodes' 323-run effort. Such a feat on Australian soil is a testament to the evolving strength of India’s batting lineup.

With Rahul’s steady hand and Jaiswal’s flair, the duo has set a new benchmark for Indian openers overseas. As the series progresses, this record-breaking stand is sure to inspire the team and cement Jaiswal’s place as one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket.

At lunch on Day 3, India consolidated their position in the Perth Test with a commanding lead of 321 runs. Resuming strongly after their record-breaking opening partnership, Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on a magnificent 141 off 264 balls, showcasing incredible patience and skill. KL Rahul contributed a solid 77 off 176 balls before falling to Starc, while Devdutt Padikkal added a steady 25 off 70 deliveries to further strengthen India’s second innings. At 275/1 in 84 overs, India looks poised to set an imposing target for Australia.