Jaiswal Slams Majestic 161, Australia Fights Back in Perth

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AFP/APP

Perth: Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant 161 provided a commanding platform for the visitors, but Australia fought back with four wickets in the middle session on day three of the first Test in Perth on Sunday.

At tea, India stood at 359-5, holding a formidable 405-run lead as they pushed for victory and a psychological edge in the five-match series. Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 40, alongside Washington Sundar on 14.

Jaiswal, who overcame a challenging childhood in the slums of Mumbai, delivered a masterful 297-ball innings featuring 15 fours and three sixes. The 22-year-old was eyeing a second career double century before cutting Mitchell Marsh to Steve Smith at point, earning a standing ovation for his efforts.

Australia also removed Devdutt Padikkal (25), Rishabh Pant (1), and Dhruv Jurel (1), having earlier dismissed KL Rahul (77) before lunch.

Rahul’s dismissal ended a record 201-run opening partnership with Jaiswal, surpassing the previous best by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in Sydney in 1986.

India began the day with a 218-run lead after dominating day two, bowling out Australia for a dismal 104 in response to their own 150. Resuming at 172-0, Jaiswal signaled India’s aggressive intent with a quick single off Josh Hazlewood, followed by two boundaries in Mitchell Starc’s first over.

Starting on 90, Jaiswal reached his century with a spectacular six off Hazlewood, striking the boundary marker on the full before raising his arms in triumph. It was his fourth Test ton and his first in Australia.

Having made an impact with 171 on debut against the West Indies in 2023, Jaiswal solidified his place at the top of the order, with this innings dispelling doubts about his ability in Australian conditions after a duck in the first innings.

Rahul, stepping in for Rohit Sharma, who stayed home for the birth of his second child, played a supporting role in the massive opening stand before feathering Starc to Alex Carey. Rohit is expected to return for the second Test in Adelaide, posing a selection dilemma.

After lunch, Padikkal edged Hazlewood to Smith, sparking a mini-collapse as India lost three wickets for just eight runs. Pant was stumped by Carey off Nathan Lyon, while Jurel fell lbw to Pat Cummins.

Jaiswal’s dismissal shifted momentum temporarily, but Kohli and Sundar steadied the ship, leaving India in a commanding position heading into the final session.

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