Makeshift opener KL Rahul repaid the faith India have showed in him despite recent struggles, helping to put the touring side in the driving seat against Australia in the first test in Perth on Saturday.

It’s not likely to stick in memory, it might not even have been noticed in the first place, but the Indian takeaway from Perth on a sumptuous second day was served by KL Rahul. It was his carefully-curated walks half-way down the pitch to chat with his Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India ended Day 2 of their opening Test against Australia in Perth on top after Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul starred at the crease.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul hit half-centuries as India finished the day in a dominating position. | Crickit

Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched an unbeaten 172-run opening partnership to take their team into the pole position in the Perth Test. At the end of Day 2, India lead by 218 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.

Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a composed unbeaten 90 and KL Rahul a stylish 62 Saturday as India built an ominous 218-run lead over Australia to take a stranglehold on the opening Test in Perth.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul finished Day 2 with an impressive unbeaten partnership of 172 runs for the opening wicket in Perth.

Indian cricket team faced a challenging start in IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth. Making the bold decision to bat first after winning toss, the visiting team struggled as wickets fell at regular intervals.

KL Rahul's controversial caught behind dismissal on Day 1 of the opening Test against Australia in Perth sparked a debate, with former players from both teams questioning the third umpire's decision to overturn the on-field umpire's not out call.