PERTH, Australia — Yashasvi Jaiswal solidified his position as a rising star in Indian cricket by scoring an unbeaten century and teaming up with KL Rahul to achieve a remarkable 201-run opening partnership during the first Border-Gavaskar test at Perth Stadium on Sunday.
As the players headed into lunch on the third day, India found themselves at 275-1, with Jaiswal on 141 not out and Devdutt Padikkal at a steady 25 not out.
Having last secured a victory in Perth, specifically at the WACA in 2018, the Indian team enjoys an advantageous overall lead of 321 runs and still has ample opportunity to dominate this test match.
Jaiswal celebrated his fourth test century in thrilling fashion by sending a bouncer from Josh Hazlewood soaring over the third man boundary for his third six. In his moment of triumph, he raised his bat high, followed by lifting both arms in celebration.
Despite being in only his 15th test within just over a year, Jaiswal showcased remarkable skill, batting with both aggression and composure.
Over the course of his impressive 6.5 hour innings, Jaiswal has accumulated 1,260 runs this calendar year, maintaining an average of 60. Included in his tally are two double hundreds scored against England on home ground, in addition to this latest century.
At just 22 years old, Jaiswal has hit 12 boundaries and three sixes off 264 deliveries. His latest six, which brought his century, also raised his total to a record 35 sixes in a calendar year, surpassing the previous record of 33 held by New Zealander Brendon McCullum.
Interestingly, Jaiswal had previously failed to score in the first innings, marking a unique achievement where he joined the ranks of legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who also scored a duck and a century in the same test in Australia, back in December 1977.
KL Rahul contributed 77 runs and provided support to Jaiswal during their lengthy 383-ball partnership that lasted 302 minutes, hitting five boundaries in the process.
The threatening combination was finally broken by left-arm swing bowler Mitchell Starc, who had Rahul edging a delivery across his body that was caught low by wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
This 201-run collaboration stands as the highest for an Indian opening pair in Australia since Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth combined for 191 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 1986.
Conditions at Perth have been favorable for batting after an eventful opening day that witnessed 17 wickets falling, culminating in India being bowled out for 150 following their victorious toss. Australia managed a response of 104 runs but was dismissed on the second morning as Jasprit Bumrah excelled with figures of 5-30 during a stellar spell with the new ball.
At this stage, Australia and India are leading the World Test Championship standings.