Yashasvi Jaiswal set a world record for the most sixes in a single calendar year in Test cricket, guiding India into a commanding position against Australia in the opening Test. Jaiswal (90* off 193 balls) and KL Rahul (62* off 154 balls) formed an unbroken 172-run opening partnership, giving India a significant 218-run lead on Day 2 in Perth. The duo displayed classic Test match batting, combining patience with calculated aggression to neutralize the Australian bowlers.Yashasvi Jaiswal sets a world record as India dominate the 1st Test against Australia.
Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant five-wicket haul (5/30 in 18 overs) had earlier dismantled Australia for just 104 in their first innings, setting the stage for India’s dominance. Debutant Harshit Rana impressed with 3/48, including a well-directed short ball that dismissed Nathan Lyon. Despite some resistance from Mitchell Starc (26 off 113) and Josh Hazlewood (7* off 31), Australia’s last-wicket partnership could only add 25 runs.
When India came to bat, Jaiswal and Rahul approached their innings with resilience. Jaiswal, known for his aggressive style, adapted to the conditions brilliantly. His half-century, the slowest of his career, came off 123 balls and showcased his ability to grind out runs. He curbed his urge to play expansive drives early on, instead focusing on defense and waiting for the bowlers to err in length. His strokeplay, including a whip over mid-wicket and a flicked six off Starc, highlighted his growing confidence. Jaiswal even displayed his fearless mindset by jokingly calling Starc “slow,” a sign of the boldness in India’s younger generation. Yashasvi Jaiswal sets a world record as India dominate the 1st Test against Australia.
Rahul, meanwhile, was technically sound and unflappable. His compact defense and calculated strokes, including a classy back-drive off Pat Cummins, frustrated the Australian bowlers. Despite a mix-up that nearly led to his run-out, Rahul maintained his composure and ensured India’s control.
Australia’s spinners, particularly Nathan Lyon, tried to stifle the scoring in the post-tea session, but both Indian openers remained patient. The duo’s partnership flourished as the live grass on the pitch died, reducing seam movement and making batting easier. Jaiswal’s seven boundaries and two sixes were all expertly timed and placed, while Rahul’s loose bottom-hand grip helped him manage deliveries that threatened the slip cordon. Yashasvi Jaiswal sets a world record as India dominate the 1st Test against Australia.
With signs of cracks appearing on the surface, any target above 300 will be challenging for Australia. Washington Sundar’s spin and the pace trio of Bumrah, Siraj, and Rana could exploit the variable bounce effectively, making it India’s match to lose.
