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India’s history in Test cricket has been marked by several memorable opening partnerships overseas, where the conditions often pose significant challenges to the batting line-up. Here are some notable instances:
The partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal during the 2024 Test series in Australia marked a significant achievement for Indian cricket. This was the first 100-run opening partnership for India in Australia since 2004, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the Indian openers in one of the toughest cricketing environments. Their partnership not only laid a solid foundation for the innings but also broke a long-standing drought for Indian openers in SENA countries. This stand was crucial for India, providing a psychological boost in challenging conditions.
During the 2021 tour of England, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul registered a 126-run opening stand in the second Test at Lord’s. This was notable because it was the first time since 2011 that Indian openers had scored more than 100 runs in an overseas Test outside Asia. Their partnership was pivotal, setting a tone for the innings on a ground known for its swing and seam movement. This partnership highlighted the importance of a strong start in conditions favorable to bowlers.
In an earlier era, Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Karthik shared a 147-run opening partnership against England at Trent Bridge in 2007. This was a rare instance of Indian openers putting on a century stand in England, showcasing their ability to tackle the English conditions, known for their swing and bounce. This partnership was particularly significant as it came in the 21st century and highlighted the potential of Indian openers to succeed abroad.
• Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy in New Zealand (1956): Although not in the traditional ‘overseas’ context often referred to (since New Zealand was not as frequently toured back then), their partnership of 413 runs for the first wicket against New Zealand in Madras (now Chennai) remains one of the highest for any wicket in Test cricket. This was more about showcasing India’s potential for big partnerships rather than specifically an overseas achivement.
These partnerships are not just about the runs scored but also about the mental fortitude required to build innings in conditions where the ball often does more than in India. They set a platform for the middle order, reduce pressure, and can often demoralize the opposition by blunting the new ball attack.
Such partnerships are vital for teams when playing abroad, where the conditions are unfamiliar, and the psychological edge of playing at home is absent. They reflect the evolving capability of Indian openers to adapt and thrive in diverse cricketing landscapes, contributing significantly to India’s standing in international cricket.