Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a stunning performance, smashing a majestic 161 to lead his team to a commanding position on day three of the first Test against Australia in Perth. Despite a spirited fightback by the Australian bowlers, India remains firmly in control with a 405-run lead.
At tea, India was 359-5, with Virat Kohli (40*) and Washington Sundar (14*) holding fort after Australia struck back with four wickets in the middle session.
Jaiswal, a 22-year-old rising star who overcame a challenging childhood in Mumbai’s slums, displayed exceptional skill and maturity during his 297-ball innings, laced with 15 boundaries and three sixes. His efforts were met with a standing ovation as he fell short of a double century, cutting Mitchell Marsh to Steve Smith at point.
Earlier, Jaiswal and KL Rahul (77) stitched a record-breaking 201-run opening stand, surpassing the previous best for India in Australia set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in 1986.
Resuming on 172-0, India signaled aggressive intent, with Jaiswal reaching his fourth Test century — and his first in Australia — in style, lofting Josh Hazlewood for a six. The young opener’s masterclass silenced critics questioning his ability in Australian conditions, especially after a first-innings duck.
Australia’s bowlers toiled under the scorching sun, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood striking crucial blows. Rahul feathered Starc to Alex Carey, while Devdutt Padikkal (25) and Rishabh Pant (1) fell shortly after lunch. Dhruv Jurel (1) was trapped lbw by Pat Cummins as Australia claimed three wickets for just eight runs, raising fleeting hopes of a comeback.
Jaiswal’s dismissal marked a turning point, but Kohli and Sundar steadied the innings.
India’s dominant position followed a disastrous performance by Australia, bowled out for a mere 104 in response to India’s modest 150 on day two. Skipper Rohit Sharma, absent for the birth of his second child, is set to return for the second Test, leaving selectors with a challenging decision.
As India eyes victory and a psychological edge in the five-Test series, Jaiswal’s extraordinary innings stands as a testament to his resilience and brilliance, cementing his place among cricket’s brightest young talents.
