Saturday, 23 November 2024
Saturday, 23 November 2024
The Perth Test is turning into a playground of records for India, thanks to a stunning display of resilience and flair from openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. On Day 2, the duo scripted a series of milestones, showcasing why they are the cornerstone of India's batting lineup in foreign conditions. While Jaiswal's audacious strokeplay set the stage, Rahul's calm determination brought stability. Together, they not only blunted the Australian attack but also shattered six major records, leaving fans in awe.
Here’s a closer look at their incredible achievements.
Yashasvi Jaiswal rewrites six-hitting history
The rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal has been nothing short of meteoric, and the young opener added another feather to his cap on Saturday. By smashing two sixes during his unbeaten 90, Jaiswal broke Brendon McCullum’s record for the most sixes in a calendar year in Tests.
McCullum, known for his explosive batting, had held the record with 33 sixes for 16 years. Jaiswal now has 34 sixes in 2024, a feat that speaks volumes about his fearless approach at the crease.
Gambhir dethroned by Jaiswal’s record-breaking spree
Jaiswal’s year of dominance continued as he surpassed Gautam Gambhir’s 2008 record for the most runs by an Indian left-handed batter in a calendar year.
Gambhir had scored 1134 runs at an average of 70.67, a benchmark that stood untouched for 16 years. However, Jaiswal has smashed past it, amassing over 1161 runs at an average of 55.28.
What’s even more impressive is Jaiswal’s ability to bounce back. After being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, he returned to form with a gritty and fluent knock, cementing his place among India’s batting greats.
Second-highest opening stand for India in Australia this century
The Jaiswal-Rahul partnership has already entered the record books as the second-highest opening stand for India in Australia in the 21st century. Their gritty and calculated approach on the lively Perth surface helped them surpass the previous record held by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Facing one of the most potent Australian bowling line-ups, their partnership not only frustrated the hosts but also sent a strong message about India’s batting depth. With just 19 more runs needed, they are on the brink of creating the highest-ever opening partnership for India on Australian soil.
Indian openers set a marathon record in SENA Tests
Jaiswal and Rahul’s partnership wasn’t just about runs—it was about endurance. Facing 346 deliveries, they now hold the record for the most balls faced by an Indian opening pair in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) Test.
This feat surpassed Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Karthik’s 337-ball stand against South Africa in Cape Town in 2007. Such marathon partnerships are rare in modern cricket, and this effort will be remembered as a masterclass in batting patience and strategy.
KL Rahul equals Sehwag’s SENA milestone
For KL Rahul, this knock was a turning point in a career often overshadowed by criticism. With this innings, Rahul equalled Virender Sehwag’s record of being involved in three 100+ opening partnerships in SENA countries—the most by any Indian opener since 2000.
Rahul’s ability to adapt and thrive in foreign conditions is now undeniable. His calm and composed knock at Perth is proof of why the team management continues to back him.
Rahul dominates SENA opening partnerships since 2010
The remarkable feat doesn’t stop there. Rahul has now been part of all three of India’s 100+ opening partnerships in SENA Tests over the last 14 years.
From Lord’s in 2021 to Centurion in 2021 and now Perth in 2024, Rahul’s consistency and ability to forge partnerships in testing conditions are unparalleled.
Here’s a quick look at these partnerships:
Lord’s, 2021: Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul – 100+ runs
Centurion, 2021: Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul – 100+ runs
Perth, 2024: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul – 100+ runs
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s exploits on Day 2 of the Perth Test have not only put India in a commanding position but also added a glorious chapter to the annals of cricket history. With records tumbling and milestones galore, this partnership has set the tone for a thrilling Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
