Yashasvi Jaiswal joined the list of elite players by scoring a hundred in first Australia tour. Yashasvi smashed 161 at Perth after duck in first innings. Let's decode his marathon innings.
In the high-octane atmosphere of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) opener at Perth's Optus Stadium, Yashasvi Jaiswal reaffirmed why he is one of India's most promising Test batters. Coming off a disappointing duck in the first innings, the 22-year-old delivered a masterclass in resilience and technique, smashing a sublime 161 runs off 297 balls in the second innings. This innings was not just a personal redemption but a critical effort that helped India recover from a precarious position and build a solid lead.
Conquering the Australian challenge
Facing Australia in their backyard is often seen as the ultimate test for any batter, especially on fast and bouncy tracks like Perth. Especially when the pressure is on you, having failed to score runs in South African conditions.
Jaiswal’s knock stood out for his ability to adapt, counter a fiery Australia bowling attack, and seize the initiative in challenging conditions. His effort placed him in elite company, as he became only the third India batter, after M.L. Jaisimha and Sunil Gavaskar, to score a century in his maiden Test on Australian soil.
From the outset, Jaiswal exhibited a remarkable blend of patience and controlled aggression. Unlike his first-innings dismissal, where his front foot was not firmly planted as he drove on the up, he made technical adjustments. In the second innings, Jaiswal ensured his front foot was securely planted before committing to his shots, enabling him to control his strokes and negate the movement generated by the Australia pacers.
Building a platform with Rahul
Jaiswal’s 201-run opening stand with KL Rahul (77) was pivotal. The duo faced 378 balls, making it the second-longest opening partnership by a visiting pair in Australia since 1998. Jaiswal initially adopted a cautious approach, leaving deliveries outside the off-stump and resisting the temptation to play at drivable lengths early on. This discipline allowed him to negate the threat posed by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins with the new ball.
Once set, Jaiswal gradually expanded his range. He brought up his half-century off 123 balls, his slowest in Test cricket, underscoring his focus on occupying the crease. However, once he crossed fifty, his strike rate improved as he began to counter-attack, showcasing his ability to shift gears.
Moments of brilliance
Two incidents defined Jaiswal’s innings, showcasing his temperament and cricketing acumen.
1. Banter with Mitchell Starc
Jaiswal’s verbal duel with Mitchell Starc became a talking point. After Harshit Rana was sledged by Starc in the first innings, Jaiswal came in support of his compatriot as he hit back in the second innings by cheekily telling the Australia speedster that he was bowling "too slow." The banter, combined with Jaiswal's audacious strokeplay, particularly a flick over deep-backward square for six off Starc, epitomised his fearless approach.
2. Engagement with Marnus Labuschagne
In a lighter moment during the innings, Jaiswal was seen lifting his leg in jest to avoid a throw from Marnus Labuschagne. The playful exchange drew smiles and applause from both players and commentators, highlighting Jaiswal’s ability to remain relaxed under pressure.
Reaching milestones in style
Jaiswal completed his century with an uppercut for six off Josh Hazlewood towards fine leg, an audacious shot that underlined his confidence. This six also helped him break Brendon McCullum's record for the most sixes in a calendar year in Test cricket, with Jaiswal hitting 35 maximums in 2024.
He didn’t stop there, pushing on to convert his century into a marathon 161-run innings. His ability to convert starts into big scores is evident in the fact that all four of his Test centuries have been 150-plus, making him only the second player after former South Africa captain Graeme Smith to achieve this feat in their first four Test hundreds.
Read More: AUS vs IND, 1st Test, Day 2: Jaiswal, Rahul put up 172* opening stand; India 218 ahead at stumps
Statistical Highlights from Yashasvi Jaiswal's 161 at Perth
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 161 is the seventh-highest individual score in a Test match where the player recorded a duck in the first innings.
The 201-run stand with KL Rahul is now the highest opening partnership for India in Tests in Australia, surpassing the 191-run stand by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in 1986.
Jaiswal is one of only four Indian batters with three or more 150-plus scores in a calendar year, joining legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Virat Kohli.
A Year to Remember
Playing in only his 12th Test match of 2024, Jaiswal has had a phenomenal year, averaging 57.47 at a strike rate of 73.10. His tally includes two double centuries and multiple impactful innings against quality opposition. While he struggled in South Africa earlier in the year, Jaiswal’s performances at home and in the West Indies showcased his ability to dominate bowlers in varied conditions.
Post-Innings Reflections
After the day’s play, Jaiswal spoke about the experience of facing Mitchell Starc, a bowler he grew up watching. “When I was a small kid, I was seeing Starc bowling. So I wanted to go and face him and enjoy batting against him,” he said. Reflecting on his sledge to Starc, Jaiswal added, “I just said what I felt at that moment.”
Jaiswal also emphasised the importance of enjoying the game, a mindset that has clearly contributed to his remarkable success.
Conclusion
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s knock of 161 in Perth is a testament to his evolving maturity as a Test cricketer. By countering one of the most formidable bowling attacks in world cricket, he has not only established himself as a vital cog in India’s batting lineup but also sent a message to the cricketing world: the future of Indian cricket is in safe hands. With his hunger for big runs and his ability to adapt and dominate, Jaiswal has truly announced himself on the grandest stage.
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