Welcome to Episode 6 of The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory, where we revisit the most iconic moments from this fierce rivalry. In today’s episode, we highlight a mature and dominating innings by Yashasvi Jaiswal, as he scored a brilliant 161.
Dynamic stroke play and ability to stabilize innings have made Jaiswal an indispensable asset for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise. His explosive century in IPL 2023 demonstrated his flair for high-pressure T20 cricket, his maiden Test hundred during the West Indies tour in 2023 highlighted his capacity to adapt and excel across formats, marking him as a versatile talent.
The Border Gavaskar trophy: High Voltage Rivalry between India and Australia
The high-stakes rivalry between India and Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024 began amidst intense competition as both teams aimed to secure their spots in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. For India, the series carried added significance after their shocking 4-0 home series defeat to New Zealand, which knocked them off the top of the WTC standings. With their fate now dependent on the outcomes of other teams, India entered the contest with a point to prove.
Australia, meanwhile, were under immense pressure, having suffered four consecutive series losses to India in recent Border-Gavaskar contests. Determined to reclaim their dominance and restore their reputation as the cricketing powerhouse, Australia viewed this series on home soil as a crucial opportunity to rewrite the narrative and assert their supremacy in Test cricket.
The Border Gavaskar trophy 2024 – 1st test, The Optus Stadium, Perth
17-wicket Day 1: The Bowlers Paradise
Jasprit Bumrah, stepping in as stand-in skipper in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, chose to bat first after winning the toss on a grassy pitch at the Perth Stadium. The surface, known for its variable bounce, posed a stern challenge for batters. With Rohit unavailable, KL Rahul returned to the opening role for the first time in over two years, partnering the young Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Australia capitalized on the conditions with disciplined and aggressive bowling, dismantling India’s batting lineup. The Indian innings folded for just 150 runs in under 50 overs, highlighting Australia’s mastery over the pitch and their determination to start the series strongly.
Debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as India’s top scorer, showcasing his composure and attacking intent with a brisk 41 off 59 balls. His well-timed strokes and sharp shot selection impressed both the dugout and spectators alike. He found valuable support from Rishabh Pant, who contributed 37 runs with his characteristic aggression.
At the top of the order, KL Rahul displayed commendable resilience against Australia’s seaming pacers, crafting a determined 27-run knock. Despite the testing conditions, Rahul’s solid defense and willingness to grind stood out and restored lost confidence in selectors.
Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer with the ball in the first innings, delivering a masterclass in pace bowling. He finished with remarkable figures of 4 for 29, showcasing his precision and ability to exploit the conditions effectively.
Nathan McSweeney’s debut for Australia didn’t start as he would have hoped, as he could only manage 10 runs in the first innings. Meanwhile, India’s captain Jasprit Bumrah was in full control, making the most of the challenging Perth conditions. Bumrah delivered a remarkable performance, taking 4 crucial wickets and playing a pivotal role in dismantling the Australian batting lineup.
Australia struggled to recover from the early setbacks and ended Day 1 in a dire position, with only 59 runs on the board and the loss of 7 wickets. The hosts were left reeling, facing an uphill battle to stay in the contest.
Mitchell Starc showed resilience in Australia’s lower order, anchoring the tail with a patient knock of 26 runs off 112 balls. His defiance helped Australia cross the 100-run mark, frustrating India’s bowlers. However, despite Starc’s efforts, Australia’s first innings came to a close at 104, handing India a crucial lead of 46 runs. Starc’s stubborn resistance highlighted his determination, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide as Australia struggled to recover from the early blows.
Jasprit Bumrah spearheaded India’s dominance with a stellar 5-wicket haul, conceding just 30 runs. His sharp bowling and ability to extract maximum from the surface were key in dismantling Australia’s top and middle order. He was well supported by Mohammed Siraj, who took 2 wickets, and debutant Harshit Rana, who impressed with 3 wickets on his first outing.
The pure class and determination: Highlighting India’s strong response in second innings
With a 46-run lead from the first innings, India’s openers approached their second innings with a mix of caution and aggression. KL Rahul maintained his solid defense, handling Australia’s seamers with ease, while Yashasvi Jaiswal grew in confidence, unleashing powerful strokes all around the ground. The pair put together a commanding 172-run partnership, with Jaiswal on 90* and Rahul on 62* at the close of Day 2. This took India’s overall lead to 218 runs, putting them in a dominant position. Both openers received a standing ovation from the Indian dugout.
The dominance continued into Day 3 as Yashasvi Jaiswal reached his century in 205 balls, marking his first Test century in Australia and his fourth overall. This was a defining moment in his career, as he partnered with KL Rahul to build a commanding 201-run partnership, setting the tone for India’s formidable position. Once Rahul was dismissed for 77, Jaiswal took complete charge, continuing his marathon innings with relentless determination.
After the lunch break, Jaiswal raised his score to 150 off 275 balls, displaying incredible stamina and focus. However, he was eventually dismissed by Pat Cummins for a well-made 161, a knock that further cemented his reputation as a rising star in international cricket.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 161 in India’s second innings against Australia in Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 was a landmark knock, one that showcased his maturity and adaptability on one of the most challenging pitches in world cricket. This innings marked his first Test century in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) country, making it especially significant. Jaiswal’s 161 off 297 balls, with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, was a display of patience, temperament, and technical precision
His ability to counter Australia’s seamers, particularly on a pitch that offered variable bounce, was exceptional. He demonstrated a calm approach early on, leaving balls carefully before launching into his attacking mode, including a memorable ramp shot off Josh Hazlewood. His century not only bolstered India’s position but also made him the second-youngest Indian after Sachin Tendulkar to score a century in Perth.
Also read,
The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory – Shikhar Dhawan’s 187
The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory – Cheteshwar Pujara’s 204
The Border Gavaskar Trophy: Moments of Glory – MS Dhoni’s 224