India is firmly in the driving seat on day two of the first Test in Perth against in Australia on Saturday.  Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul put together an outstanding and unbroken century to guide India to 172 without loss at the close of the second day.  That means the visitors lead by 218 in their second innings.

India had a poor showing with the bat in their first innings and was bowled out for 150.  Australia had an even worse first innings and resumed on 67-7 this morning.  However, India quickly dismissed the remaining batsmen with stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah claiming five wickets and removing Alex Carey with his first ball of the day.

Mitchell Starc scored 26 and was the only Australian batsman to provide any meaningful contribution with the bat.   It was their fourth lowest score against India in Tests and ninth lowest at home since 1900.

The day no doubt belonged to Jaiswal and Rahul, whose patient partnership has provided a solid platform for the visitors to continue from on day three.  Jaiswal, who is playing in Australia for the first time, has 90 and Rahul, who is opening because regular captain Rohit Sharma is in India after the birth of his second child, is on 62.

Only four previous Tests have been played at the Optus Stadium in Perth and all have been won by Australia, who have batted first on each occasion.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger