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.

Shubman Gill’s injury has put his participation in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in doubt, with KL Rahul set to bat at No. 3. As India adapts their lineup, captain Rohit Sharma will open with 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 ends day two within two shots of a century, ably supported by opening partner KL Rahul as the openers bat India into a winning position in the first Test in Perth.

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.