3 positive takeaways for India from the loss at Perth

#2 Rahane seems to have regained his form

Rahane built important partnerships in both innings

Ajinkya Rahane was lent a big wake-up call at the start of the year when he was dropped from the XI in the first Test of the South Africa series, despite being vice-captain. He did make a comeback later on but he received a clear message from the team- perform or perish.

He did have a few good scores here and there but largely failed to justify his selection even in England. However, his intent changed at Perth. In the first innings, he came in at the fall of Pujara's long vigil and along with captain Kohli, ensured that they did not lose any more wickets on Day 2.

He fell early on Day 3 but had ensured that Kohli had an able partner and ruin the Aussies' momentum. In the second innings too, Rahane did not play many false shots even though he was counterattacking. He fell to an irresponsible shot but had once again stopped the opposition's momentum.

These two innings followed his 70 at Adelaide, which indicates that he may have finally found his rhythm. If only he can find that resolve to hang around like his initial days, India will have at least four batsmen they can depend on to build a big score.