Yashasvi Jaiswal didn’t just let his bat do the talking during India’s challenging chase of 340 against Australia. While India’s top order struggled to accelerate, Jaiswal played with determination and composure, ensuring the team remained in the hunt.
Australia’s bowlers, led by the likes of Pat Cummins and Scott Boland, applied constant pressure, making run-scoring difficult. Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal adopted a cautious approach, recognising the need to build partnerships in the face of a demanding target. The young opener’s calm demeanour was in stark contrast to the aggressive nature often associated with Indian batting, but it was exactly what the situation required.
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An 88-run partnership with Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket became the cornerstone of India’s chase. Pant’s 30 from 104 balls wasn’t explosive, but it steadied the ship, while Jaiswal’s own 84 runs kept India in the game. The pair’s resilience against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack offered a glimmer of hope.
Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal goes beyond letting his bat do the talking
However, tensions rose when Jaiswal was engaged in a brief exchange with Australian batter Sam Konstas, who offered some words of advice. Jaiswal, ever focused, calmly responded with “Do your job,” showing his poise under pressure. His reply encapsulated his mental toughness, as he continued to anchor the Indian innings, unperturbed by the banter.
As India looked to steady the chase, Pant’s dismissal at 121-4 changed the momentum. A well-hit shot off Travis Head ended in a catch at long-on, sending Pant back to the pavilion. With his departure, India’s collapse became imminent, as three quick wickets fell for just nine runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy followed Pant back to the dressing room, leaving India in dire straits.
Jaiswal, who had been the mainstay of India’s resistance, eventually fell for 84 to Pat Cummins. His patient knock, though invaluable, couldn’t prevent the eventual collapse, highlighting the relentless pressure of Australia’s attack.
Australia secured a comprehensive 184-run victory in the Boxing Day Test as India got all out for 155 runs.
