Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal demonstrated nerves of steel against Australia’s formidable bowling attack—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon—in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth. Making his maiden Test appearance in Australia, Jaiswal faced a tough initiation, falling for a duck in the first innings, prompting questions about his capability on pace-friendly tracks.
However, the 21-year-old silenced critics in the second innings, crafting a stunning 161-run knock that laid the groundwork for India’s commanding 295-run victory. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance wasn’t limited to his batting prowess; he also showcased his mental fortitude by engaging in playful banter with Australia’s seasoned bowlers.
Nathan Lyon revealed that Jaiswal cheekily sledged him after scoring his century. “He said, ‘You legend, but you’re old,’ while he was muscling his way to 120. It’s all in good spirit,” Lyon shared with SEN Radio. This wasn’t the young batter’s only quip; earlier, he taunted Mitchell Starc by claiming, “You’re coming too slow at me,” a comment that went viral after being captured on the stump mic.
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On the eve of the second Test in Adelaide, India captain Rohit Sharma confirmed a significant adjustment to the team’s batting order. Sharma, returning after a brief paternity leave following the birth of his son, announced he would move to the middle order, allowing KL Rahul to retain his opening slot.
Rahul, who impressed in Perth with scores of 26 and 77, formed a crucial 201-run partnership with Jaiswal during the second innings, a key factor in India’s victory. “KL will open the innings, and I will play somewhere in the middle. It’s not easy for me, but it’s the best decision for the team,” Rohit Sharma stated during the pre-match press conference.
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The move underscores the team’s strategic flexibility as India aims to capitalize on their early momentum and secure another victory in the Pink Ball Test. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose fearless approach has already become a talking point in the series.
