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.

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal scripted history on Day 3 of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth, recording a 201-run opening partnership—the highest for India in Australia.

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

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.

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.

Shubman Gill had missed the series opener due to a thumb injury he picked up during the intra-squad practice match at the WACA Ground.

India might have to wait a bit longer for the return of their regular No.3 as Shubman Gill is reportedly doubtful for the second Test match in Adelaide set to begin on December 6. India are slated to play a pink-ball practice game starting Saturday to prepare for the day-night affair at the Adelaide Oval and according to The Times of India,