The fourth day of the Brisbane Test was thrilling and entertaining despite multiple rain interruptions. At the end of the day, India just managed to avoid the follow-on, which pushed the game toward a lame draw, except for any big surprises on the rain-forecast fifth day. 

In the reply to Australia’s first innings total of 445 runs, India started the fourth day at 51/4. The drama started from the first ball of the sunshine fourth day as the Aussie skipper Pat Cummins generated an edge from the opener KL Rahul’s bat, but Steven Smith dropped that simple catch at the slip. It hurt the hosts as Rahul played a memorable knock. 

KL Rahul scored 84; Josh Hazlewood can't bowl more in the Test

Although the Indian captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 10 runs after setting a 30-run partnership for the fifth wicket, Rahul got strong support from experienced Ravindra Jadeja, who is playing his first Test of the series. 

Also, Australia soon hit hard with massive injury news as Josh Hazlewood only managed to bowl one over of the day. While he went back to the dressing room early, it was later confirmed that he would miss the remainder of the Test match due to a right-sided calf strain. It has forced the hosts to carry on with one key bowler short. As a result, Mitchell Marsh delivered two overs, and Travis Head bowled one over. 

Rahul and Jadeja had a 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket. After completing his half-century in 85 balls, Rahul continued his incredible controlled innings. In the long first session, Rahul was ultimately dismissed after an incredible catch by Steven Smith at slip in Nathan Lyon’s over. 

Ravindra Jadeja scored 77 runs

After Rahul was dismissed with 84 off 139 balls (eight fours), Jadeja controlled the innings with the in-form lower-order batter Nitish Kumar Reddy. Once again, Nitish showed his presence of mind in the difficult game situation by supporting Jadeja with his patient batting. Before he was bowled by Cummins for 16 runs, which he scored after facing 61 balls, he had a valuable 53-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Later, Mohammed Siraj lost his wicket for one run, while Jadeja fought hard. After completing his 50 runs off 82 balls, Jadeja scored 77 off 123 balls (six fours and one six) before he was caught out at deep square leg. When Jadeja went to the dressing room, India were struggling at 213/9, and they were still 33 runs short to avoid the follow-on. 

Bumrah and Akash Deep surprised with the bats

While the vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah held the wicket patiently, the no.11 batter Akash Deep stunned by his batting performance. The last batter hit a four at the crucial time, which ultimately became the last over of the day, and confirmed India’s avoidance of the follow-on. After rescuing the visitors, Akash Deep slammed a sixer to Cummins, and after the next ball, bad light stopped the game. Soon, the day was also called off. 

Watch: Kohli-Gambhir celebrate together after Akash Deep's heroic save

India scored 252/9 at the end of the day. While Bumrah scored 10 not out off 27 balls with one sixer, Akash Deep scored 27 not out off 31 balls with two fours and one six. They already set a 39-run partnership in 54 balls for the unbroken 10th wicket. 

Among the Australian bowlers, skipper Pat Cummins took four wickets (4/80), while Mitchell Starc bagged three wickets (3/83). Josh Hazlewood (1/22) and Nathan Lyon (1/54) have also taken one wicket each.

Indian opener KL Rahul played a memorable knock during India’s first innings of the Brisbane Test. However, the right-handed batter’s unforgettable innings ended after the former Australian captain Steven Smith’s stunning catch. 

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 445 runs in the Brisbane Test, under pressure India started the crucial fourth day at 51/4. Starting the day at 33 not out, Rahul was dropped on the first delivery of the day as Steven Smith dropped a sitter on the skipper Pat Cummins’ delivery. That drop cost the hosts heavily as Rahul played one of his memorable Test innings.

After the first delivery on the fourth day, Rahul looked solid with the bat. Although captain Rohit Sharma was out for 10 runs, Rahul had a 30-run partnership with the skipper. Then, Rahul had a crucial sixth-wicket partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. 

Watch: Anurag Thakur got a life in a friendly match against Kiren Rijiju

KL Rahul completed his half-century in 85 balls

While the Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has brought fresh injury concerns, Rahul and Jadeja controlled most of the first session of the fourth day. Rahul completed his half-century in 85 balls. 

Rahul completely controlled the innings while Jadeja provided the perfect support to him. Sadly, Rahul was out as Smith took a blinder to deny Rahul’s special Test hundred.

Rahul scored 84 runs before stunning dismissal by the fielder Steven Smith

In the 43rd over of the innings, while the off-spinner Nathan Lyon was bowling, Rahul set up a tough catch for the only slip fielder Smith. While the reaction time was tiny, Smith dived to successfully grab that opportunity. The Indian right-handed batter scored 84 off 139 balls with the help of eight fours. 

WHAT A CATCH FROM STEVE SMITH!

Sweet redemption after dropping KL Rahul on the first ball of the day.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/d7hHxvAsMd

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2024

At lunch, India scored 167/6 as they were still 79 runs behind to avoid the follow-on. At the end of the first session, Jadeja was not out at 41 off 77 balls with four fours, and Nitish Kumar Reddy was not out at seven runs. 

IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka has applauded star India batter KL Rahul. Notably, Rahul was associated with LSG from 2022 to 2024 after joining them for Rs 17 crore ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. However, he scored 1410 runs in 38 matches. Under his leadership, LSG finished in the top four of the IPL 2022 points table and secured a place in the playoffs as well.

The star India batter was released by LSG before the IPL 2025 mega auction, which took place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25. Notably, he joined Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore and is likely to lead the franchise in the upcoming season of the IPL as well.

"He served as Lucknow captain for three years and performed well as a batter" - Sanjiv Goenka on KL Rahul

During his recent appearance on the TRS show, Sanjiv Goenka was asked about KL Rahul, and in response he also said that Rahul is like his family.

“KL mere liye hamesha se family rahe hai and hamesha family rahenge. He served as Lucknow captain for three years and performed well as a batter. Mere dil se unke liye hamesha dua hi niklegi, no matter what happens. He is a very gentle man. He is so talented. Jitna unka talent hai, vo ubhar ke bahar aaye. I have so much love and respect for him in my heart," Goenka said.

SEE ALSO: 'Good to see him working on the game' - Harbhajan Singh on Virat Kohli

"I’ve never seen a leader like MS Dhoni" - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka also applauded legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni and shared why the veteran wicketkeeper-batter is the greatest captain.

“I’ve never seen a leader like MS Dhoni. It’s crazy how even to this day he keeps reinventing himself. Just look at Pathirana, a baby bowler. Don’t know where MS saw him and now groomed him into a lethal match winner. He knows how to use his players well, and he keeps on thinking. Whenever I interact with him, I always learn something," Goenka said.

“I have an 11-year-old grandson who is crazy about cricket. Dhoni in my home taught him how to play cricket, some 5-6 years ago. He constantly asked him questions, and I told my grandson, ‘Leave him now.’ Dhoni replied, ‘Let it be; I am enjoying this conversation.’ Dhoni went on to have a conversation with him for half an hour. This human quality with a kid where he spent so much time for a kid. It makes you learn how to speak with others, and that is why he is Dhoni. Whenever he plays against Lucknow, the entire stadium is filled with yellow to support him," he concluded.

The Adelaide day-night pink-ball Test match started in a dramatic fashion. After the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed on the first ball, his opening partner KL Rahul got two huge lucks in one over.

After deciding to bat first, Rohit Sharma-led team India had a poor start as Yashsavi Jaiswal was dismissed on the first ball of the match as Mitchell Starc trapped him for a lbw. Since then, Shubman Gill has been playing very well while the other opener KL Rahul was struggling to get off the mark. 

No-ball saved KL Rahul's caught behind 

Scott Boland joined the Australian playing XI for the pink-ball Test as the replacement for the injured Josh Hazlewood. It was the first ball of Boland in this series, who came to bowl in the eighth over, and he was successful in trapping Rahul. The extra bounce worked in the favour of Boland as Rahul had a thick edge and was caught behind. While Rahul was walking back to the dressing room for 0 off 19 balls, English umpire Richard Illingworth signaled a no-ball, which saved the Indian opener.  

Usman Khawaja dropped Rahul

In that same over, Boland set up for another good opportunity. The Aussie pacer delivered a full-length ball that found a thick edge from Rahul’s bat and went to the first slip. Usman Khawaja was fielding at the first slip, and he dropped the low catch. 

Rahul scored 37 runs

Ultimately Rahul scored a crucial 37 runs off 64 balls with the help of six fours before Starc took his wicket just before the dinner. It was Starc's new spell, where the left-arm fast bowler set up a short-of-length delivery, an extra bounce trapped unconfident Rahul who had a thick edge. Nathan McSweeney took a sharp low catch at the gully. 

'KL'ucky Rahul! 😮‍💨#ScottBoland’s dramatic start to the #PinkBallTest: No-ball dismissal of #KLRahul on the first delivery and a dropped catch on the fifth ball! 🏏🎭

Will he make it BIG now? 👀#AUSvINDOnStar 2nd Test 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports! #AUSvIND | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/dCYLDKv2Pd

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024

India captain Rohit Sharma revealed on the eve of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that he would not open for India, instead, he would bat in the middle-order. He has also said that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will open the batting for India in the second Test as well.

"Yeah, he will be opening the batting. I will bat somewhere in the middle," Rohit Sharma said in the press conference.

Rohit Sharma to bat in the middle-order

However, Rohit Sharma will sacrifice his preferred opening spot to KL Rahul after he did well in India's 295-run win in Perth. In Rohit's absence, Yashasvi and Rahul opened the batting for India and added a match-defining 201-run partnership in the second innings at the Optus Stadium as well.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma has opened in 42 Tests, scoring nearly 3000 runs which came at an average of 44 with 9 tons as well. He also explained that he was thrilled to watch Rahul and Jaiswal dominate in Australia in the Perth Test. However, Rohit missed the first Test to be with his family during the birth of his second child and rejoined the team in Perth after a few days and started training with the pink ball during the first Test as well.

SEE ALSO: Pat Cummins slams commentators for creating headlines using Josh Hazlewood

KL Rahul did well in the second innings of the first Test

"And how I came to the decision of batting down the order is clearly we want results, we want success, and those two guys at the top... just looking at this one Test match, they batted brilliantly," Rohit said. "I was at home with my newborn in my arms, and I was watching how KL batted. It was brilliant to watch. I felt that there's no need to change that now. Maybe in the future, things will be different. I don't know."

"So based on what has happened and what KL Rahul has shown outside of India, he probably deserves that place at this point in time. It is something that has brought us success in the first Test. You have that one big partnership with Jaiswal on the other side, and you know, it probably won us the Test match. When you come here, in a place like Perth, and you get 500 runs or so, it’s such a massive tick in the box," he again shared.

"So I don't see why we need to change that. What I saw from the outside looked brilliant, and there was no need to change anything. It was actually pretty simple for me. Personally, not easy. But for the team, it made a lot of sense," Rohit Sharma concluded.

Team India batter KL Rahul said that he does not mind batting in any position in the Indian team as well. Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, 4 December, Rahul also said that his experience of batting in different positions in different formats has helped him to simplify his game as well.

"This will be my first pink ball Test match" - KL Rahul likely to play the second Test

Rahul said that Team India potentially making big changes in their batting line-up for the pink ball Test in Adelaide. India are likely to have Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill back in the side for the second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well. In case both of them return, KL Rahul might have to drop down to No.5 and replace Dhruv Jurel from the playing XI as well.

However, KL Rahul has batted in different positions for India in Test cricket. Apart from the 2 opening slots, he has batted at No.3, No.4, and No.6 as well.

"I just want to be in the playing XI, go out there and bat and play for the team. I just go there and try and see what I need to do to get runs in a particular situation. Luckily I have batted in different positions. Early on, when I was asked to bat at different positions, it was a bit of a challenge mentally. How to play those first 20-25 balls? how early can I attack? Those things were a problem earlier, but it has gotten easy with the experience of playing in different formats," KL Rahl said.

The veteran batter batted brilliantly in the second innings of the Perth Test match along with the talented India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, where they notched up a partnership of 200+ runs, the first by any Indian opening pair as well. He also said that he was told by the Indian team management that he might open in the first Test match quite early.

SEE ALSO: Harbhajan Singh shares shocking truth on his equation with MS Dhoni

KL Rahul played well in the first Test

"I was told quite early that I will be opening. I did not play the whole New Zealand series and I was told fairly early that I might get a chance to open the innings. I got enough time to prepare. It is something that I have done a lot, so I knew how I was going to get my runs and what processes I needed to follow," Rahul said.

He also opened up about playing against the pink ball and also said that he has been speaking to senior India players ahead of his first Day-Night Test match.

"This will be my first pink ball Test match. I don't have the game experience like some other players have in the team. It is just about speaking to the guys and get to know what were the things that they found hard and how did they manage to adjust and make changes. In practice, I felt that it was a little different in terms of how you watch this ball," KL Rahul concluded.

The pink ball Test match against Australia will begin on December 6 at 9:30 am IST.

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, saw KL Rahul emerge as one of the most prominent names. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter was snapped up by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore, a figure that sparked debates among fans and analysts. Known for his versatility, Rahul's ability to switch seamlessly between defensive and attacking gears makes him a rare asset. Moreover, his leadership qualities and consistent performances at the top of the order underline his value in a team lacking experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batters. Considering these attributes, many felt that Rahul deserved a price closer to ₹16 crore.  

Rahul's acquisition could be a game-changer for Delhi Capitals, addressing their need for a solid opening batter and a potential captain. His adaptability in anchoring innings or accelerating when required makes him a match-winner in any situation. While ₹14 crore seems substantial, it arguably undervalues a player who embodies both stability and dynamism.

Breakdown of KL Rahul's 14cr Price Tag 

KL Rahul's journey in the IPL since 2020 underscores his consistency as one of the league’s most dependable batters. From leading runs charts to being a captain and a wicketkeeper, Rahul has been a vital cog in his teams’ setups. Even in challenging seasons, his ability to accumulate runs with remarkable consistency sets him apart. His performance in IPL 2020 was a testament to his dominance, scoring 668 runs at an average of 55.7 and a strike rate of 129, including five fifties and a century. His ability to deliver match-winning performances was evident as he anchored his team through the season.  

See Also: Shreyas Iyer: A leader worthy of ₹26.75 Cr or an overpriced gamble?

KL Rahul and his IPL saga since last few years

The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Rahul continue his purple patch, amassing 626 and 616 runs, respectively, at phenomenal averages of over 55. He showcased his versatility with strike rates of 138.8 and 135.4, proving his ability to accelerate when needed. The hallmark of his batting was not just the volume of runs but also his composure under pressure. Whether it was setting a foundation or finishing strong, Rahul was always at the forefront, contributing both as a batter and a leader.  

Even in 2023, a season marred by injury that saw him play just nine matches, Rahul demonstrated resilience by scoring 274 runs. Although his strike rate of 113.2 was below his usual standards, it reflected his adaptability to manage his game amidst limitations. Returning in 2024, Rahul silenced critics by scoring 520 runs, reinforcing his capability as a top-order batter. His strike rate of 136.1 and four fifties highlighted that, despite setbacks, he remains a premier performer in the league.  

What sets KL Rahul apart is his multidimensional role as a wicketkeeper-batter and his proven leadership qualities. In a league where Indian wicketkeeper-batters are scarce, Rahul’s profile is invaluable. His ability to balance stability and aggression, coupled with his captaincy credentials, makes him a complete package. For a player who has consistently delivered over 500 runs per season (barring injury), his ₹14 crore price tag at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction feels underwhelming.  

Rahul’s proven track record, even in challenging phases, justifies a valuation closer to ₹16 crore. His consistent performances and ability to adapt to different roles make him a pivotal asset for Delhi Capitals. Underpaid or not, Rahul is set to redefine his worth in IPL 2025, showcasing why he remains one of the league’s elite players.

It was a dream day for Team India at the Optus Stadium, as they thoroughly dominated the proceedings on Day 3 of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test. Resuming at an overnight score of 172/0, the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal added 29 more runs before Mitchell Starc ended the mammoth partnership, dismissing Rahul for 77. Jaiswal, unfazed by the fall of wickets, notched up his fourth Test century—his first on Australian soil—with a stunning six. A brief collapse saw Devdutt Padikkal (25), Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel dismissed cheaply, but Virat Kohli stood firm, anchoring the innings with a majestic 30th Test hundred. Supported by Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38* off 27), Kohli led India to a declaration at 487/6, giving them an imposing 533-run lead.

With the ball, the Indian pacers wreaked havoc in the final session. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowled fiery spells under the lights, reducing Australia to a disastrous 12/3 in just 4.2 overs. Debutant Nathan McSweeney departed for a duck, captain Pat Cummins' gamble to bat at number three failed, and an out-of-form Marnus Labuschagne added to Australia’s woes with just three runs before losing his wicket and a review. The cracks on the pitch and uneven bounce have made batting treacherous, leaving Australia facing an uphill battle to chase down 534 runs with only seven wickets in hand. It was a Super Sunday for the Indians, who now stand on the brink of taking the lead in the five-match series.

Breakdown of Jaiswal's 161 analysis 

Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a batting masterclass on Day 3 of the third Test against Australia, showcasing remarkable composure and adaptability in testing conditions. Walking in on 72* overnight, the young left-hander anchored the innings to perfection and brought up his fourth Test hundred, his first on Australian soil. Jaiswal's innings was defined by his ability to absorb pressure and build partnerships, contributing significantly to India’s mammoth lead of 533 runs. His milestone came in style, dispatching Nathan Lyon for a six, a testament to his confidence and skill.

A closer look at Jaiswal's approach reveals a nuanced handling of lengths. Against full-length deliveries, he played cautiously, registering a dot ball percentage of 59.6% across 57 deliveries. However, it was on good-length deliveries where he demonstrated immense patience, with an 80.2% dot-ball percentage over 101 balls, highlighting his focus on seeing off the probing spells of Australia’s pacers. On back-of-length and short deliveries, his dot-ball percentages were 71.6% and 65.6%, respectively, as he picked his moments to attack selectively while maintaining a solid defense.

Jaiswal's strike rotation played a key role in keeping the scoreboard ticking, especially against spinners, where he rotated the strike at an impressive rate of 35.21%. Against pacers, his strike rotation dropped to 18.85%, reflecting his cautious approach to counter the pace and bounce of the Australian seamers. His adaptability in tailoring his approach based on the type of bowling ensured India maintained momentum despite periodic breakthroughs for the hosts.

The young opener was particularly effective against Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, with consecutive scoring shot percentages of 54.54% and 50% against them, respectively. This aggression ensured that the spinners could not settle into a rhythm. In contrast, against the pace attack of Mitchell Starc (31.88%), Pat Cummins (31.34%), and Josh Hazlewood (13.11%), Jaiswal focused on minimizing risk and accumulating runs methodically. His lower scoring rate against the pacers demonstrated his maturity in adapting to the game situation, ensuring he prioritized building a substantial lead.

Jaiswal's knock was not just a personal milestone but a pivotal effort in putting India in a commanding position. His mix of calculated aggression, solid defense, and strategic strike rotation disrupted Australia’s plans, showcasing the making of a modern Test opener. As the team declared their innings, the significance of Jaiswal’s performance resonated with the crowd at the Optus Stadium, affirming his growing stature as a reliable performer on the biggest stage.

See Also:  Kusal Mendis stars as Sri Lanka clinch series victory over New Zealand

Indian wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul has been purchased by Delhi Capitals for the price of RS. 14 Crore. There were too many questions raised about him in the last IPL season. Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru started the bids for KL Rahul. It was said that KL Rahul might come back to his former side Royal Challengers Bengaluru. But RCB didn't go after him and opted out even KKR as well. The only teams left behind him were Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings with CSK opting out it was almost confirmed that Delhi Capitals will get him. But as Lucknow Supergiants had an RTM Card it was asked if they might want to use it but they refused to use it. So, Delhi Capitals welcomed KL Rahul into their side.

KLassy entry toh banti hai boss 🙌😎 pic.twitter.com/1U9MIU94xb

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) November 24, 2024

KL Rahul in the IPL 2024 Season

Wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul had an average 2024 season as he scored 520 runs in 14 matches with an average of 37.14. He was able to score four half-centuries last season. Recently many questions were raised about his performance in white-ball format despite that Delhi Capitals backed him and bought him into the team. KL Rahul can bat at the top even if he can lead the side.

See Also:- Pant beats Shreyas to become most expensive player in IPL history

Lucknow Super Giants refused to use Right To Match (RTM) Card

The tension between KL Rahul and Lucknow Supergiants was raised when KL Rahul opted to enter into the auction ahead of the IPL Retention deadline. Lucknow Super Giants didn't look interested in buying back the skipper and even at the end when they were asked about using the Right To Match card they refused to use it on him.

Petition to officially call this the Chaat derby @DelhiCapitals?💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/gvCn4SxhNm

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) November 24, 2024

The Lucknow Super Giants admin on X (former Twitter) posted a meme about Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul switching the IPL teams.

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.