Two days of contrasting cricket at Perth! While 17 wickets fell for 217 runs on the opening day, the pitch improved considerably on Day 2, as 209 runs were scored for the loss of three wickets.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and K L Rahul hit unbeaten half-centuries to power Indian to a commanding 172 for no loss at stumps on Day 2 of the Perth Test.
Playing his first Test in Australia, the young Jaiswal made up for his first inning failure, stroking a brilliant 90 not out, from 193 balls, while the experienced Rahul made a solid 62 not out, to swell India's lead to 218 runs.
Earlier, captain Jasprit Bumrah completed his 11th five-wicket haul to bowl out Australia for 104 in the morning session and give India a vital 46-run first-innings lead.
Bumrah starred with the ball, taking 5/30, while Mohammed Siraj (2/20) and debutant Harshit Rana (3/48) also chipped in with vital strikes.
Australia could add just 37 runs to their overnight score of 67/7, thanks chiefly to tail-ender Mitchell Starc (26), who emerged the highest scorer for his side.