India’s young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased remarkable grit and composure on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia at Perth, scoring his maiden fifty on Australian soil on Saturday, November 23. Jaiswal, who faced 123 balls and struck five boundaries in his innings, ensured he provided India with a solid platform after their bowlers dominated earlier in the day.
Redemption after a shaky start
Jaiswal, determined to recover from his first-innings failure where he was dismissed for a duck, played a measured innings. While he began cautiously, he got into the groove by driving Mitchell Starc for his first boundary in the third over. Despite facing occasional moments of discomfort, Jaiswal’s approach reflected his maturity and focus on building a significant contribution.
Strong start for India
With a 46-run first-innings lead, the onus was on the openers to consolidate. Jaiswal, in partnership with KL Rahul, ensured India extended their advantage. His temperament was particularly evident during a brief exchange with Starc in the 19th over, but the left-hander stayed unflustered and carried on to his fifty after tea.
A record-breaking knock
Jaiswal’s fifty was the slowest of his Test career, surpassing his previous best in his debut Test against the West Indies. This milestone marked his ninth Test fifty and eighth in 2024, underscoring his incredible form. Notably, Jaiswal also broke a 16-year-old record held by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir during his gritty knock.
India in command
India had taken control earlier in the day, dismissing Australia for a paltry 104, with captain Jasprit Bumrah claiming a sensational five-wicket haul. Jaiswal and Rahul’s steady partnership then ensured the visitors tightened their grip on the match, looking to bat the hosts out of contention.
Brief Scores:
India 150 & 84/0 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 50*, KL Rahul 34*) lead Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5-30, Harshit Rana 3-48) by 130 runs