India's opening batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul dominated Australia's bowlers on Saturday, guiding their team to 172 without loss at the end of day two of the first Test in Perth. This extended the touring side's lead to 218 runs.

The hosts were dismissed for 104 in the morning session, thanks to a superb performance from stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, who took 5-30. This came after India were all out for 150 on day one, in conditions that favored seam bowling.

Jaiswal and Rahul remained unbeaten at 90 and 62 respectively, as the home team failed to take a wicket in two sessions. This was a stark contrast to day one, when 17 wickets fell.

India's opening pair skillfully handled the new ball after lunch, suggesting the pitch had lost its challenging characteristics. The shot of the day was a beautifully timed straight drive by Rahul off Pat Cummins to the boundary.

Jaiswal also showcased his skills, punishing Cummins for bowling too short with an upper-cut over the wicketkeeper. The first six of the day came when Jaiswal lifted Mitchell Starc over fine leg.

The biggest cheer was for Rahul, who reached his 16th Test fifty with a poke to third man off Mitchell Marsh. Cummins and part-timers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne struggled to make an impact.

Jaiswal's maximum over long on off Nathan Lyon capped a successful day for the tourists. Australia coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged their position, stating, "We've got some problems to solve ahead of us. There's no doubt we're clearly well behind in the game at this stage, so India have got the driver's seat at the moment."

Earlier, Mitchell Starc was the only Australian batsman to offer significant resistance, scoring 26. Bumrah and Rana (3-48) took the final three wickets in the session. Bumrah achieved his 11th Test five-wicket haul with his first ball of the day, dismissing Alex Carey (21).

Starc faced numerous body blows during his 112-ball stay, showing resilience that was lacking in his team's specialist batsmen.

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