Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stunning century puts India in a dominant position with a 321-run lead over Australia at lunch on Day 3 of the Perth Test. Read on for match highlights.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Century Takes India to Commanding Lead in Perth Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century on Day 3 of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test match between India and Australia has made headlines. His brilliant unbeaten knock helped India take a massive 321-run lead over the Australians at lunch on Day 3 of the first Test at Optus Stadium, Perth. At this stage, India’s position in the game is looking increasingly dominant, with Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal sharing a solid partnership.
India, who resumed their innings at 172/0, now stand at 275/1 in 84 overs, with Jaiswal on a remarkable 100 not out and Padikkal, playing cautiously, contributing 22 runs off 64 balls. This article will take you through the key moments of the match and delve into how Jaiswal’s century has been pivotal in India’s commanding lead.
The Rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Century to Remember
Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and his century on Day 3 is proof of his ability to rise to the occasion. The young Indian opener completed his century in the 61st over of India’s second innings, smashing eight boundaries and three sixes along the way. His 100 runs came off only 153 balls, marking an impressive strike rate of 65.4. The stylish left-hander has been in superb touch, making a statement not only with his technical prowess but also with his ability to handle the pressure of international cricket.
The Yashasvi Jaiswal century is a landmark moment in this Test match. The partnership with his opening partner, KL Rahul, was crucial in laying the foundation for India’s strong position. However, with Rahul’s departure for 77 in the morning session, it was up to Jaiswal to carry India’s momentum forward. And he did so magnificently, keeping the scoreboard ticking with confident stroke play.
India’s Strong Position at Lunch on Day 3
By lunch on Day 3, India had reached a commanding position with 275/1 on the board. The Indian team started the day on 172/0, and it was clear that they were determined to extend their dominance in the match. Jaiswal’s century has allowed the team to gain a 321-run lead over Australia, who were bowled out for 104 in their first innings.
KL Rahul’s early dismissal was the only setback for India in the morning session. He had been batting solidly but was undone by Mitchell Starc, who had Rahul caught behind for 77. Starc, who had been struggling to break through, finally got the breakthrough but has found little support from the other Australian bowlers.
Jaiswal and Padikkal’s Unbroken Stand
After Rahul’s departure, Devdutt Padikkal joined Jaiswal at the crease, and together they formed a steady partnership of 74 runs from 127 balls by the lunch interval. Padikkal, who is also a young talent with immense promise, has been playing a supporting role, while Jaiswal continues to lead the charge for India. Their partnership has been marked by a calm approach, allowing Jaiswal to keep the scoreboard ticking without any undue risk.
Mitchell Starc the Lone Warrior for Australia
While Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century has been the talk of the day, Mitchell Starc remains the lone bright spot for the Australian bowlers. The left-arm seamer has been bowling well, but India’s solid opening partnership and their aggressive play in the morning session have meant that Starc has found little success. Starc bowled 19 overs, conceding 82 runs, and was rewarded with the wicket of KL Rahul. However, without support from the rest of the attack, his efforts have not been enough to stem the flow of runs.
Australia, after bowling India out for a mere 150 runs in their first innings, would have hoped for a much better performance with the ball in the second innings. Unfortunately, the Indian openers, led by Jaiswal, have made it clear that India will not be easily intimidated. The Aussie bowlers, including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, will need to regroup and find a way to dismiss India’s strong top order in the coming sessions.
India’s Incredible Recovery in This Test Match
India’s performance on Day 3 has been a stark contrast to their first innings, when they were dismissed for just 150 runs. The Australian bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, had put India on the back foot early in the match. However, the Indian fast bowlers fought back spectacularly. Jasprit Bumrah, leading India’s bowling attack, delivered a match-winning performance by taking a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings. Bumrah’s brilliant spell helped bowl Australia out for just 104 runs, giving India a vital lead in the first innings.
The match is now finely poised, with India’s fast bowlers having given them a solid start and their batsmen capitalizing on it. As India look to extend their advantage, Australia’s task is looking increasingly difficult. If India can continue to bat well in the second innings, they may set Australia a target too steep to chase.
Can Jaiswal Continue to Shine?
With Yashasvi Jaiswal playing so brilliantly, all eyes will be on him as the match progresses. A century in a Test match is always a significant achievement, but Jaiswal’s century has the potential to become a match-defining innings if India can capitalize on their lead and extend it further. His maturity and composure at the crease are signs of a future star in the making.
As the Test match unfolds, the Indian team will hope that Jaiswal continues his excellent form and anchors the innings as they look to set Australia a challenging target. With Padikkal, Shubman Gill, and other batting stars still to come, the Indian middle order could also play a key role in building a competitive total.
