To say that Yashasvi Jaiswal has captured the interest of the Australian cricket community wouldn’t be an exaggeration. In just nine Test matches, the left-handed opening batsman has amassed 1028 runs at an average of 68.53, with three hundreds and two double hundreds. In the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle, he is the second-highest run scorer, trailing only Joe Root of England (1,165 runs in 15 matches, including three hundreds and six fifties).
For the first time in his international career, Jaiswal will be traveling to Australia as opening partner of India skipper Rohit Sharma. Prior to it, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Hayden had previously discussed the young player as the most intriguing Indian batter.
Jaiswal has achieved success outside of the subcontinent; on his debut in Test cricket, he hit 171 in the West Indies. However, facing Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc in their own backyard will present a different challenge.
Jaiswal’s highest score in the two Test matches held in South Africa was 28, batting in extremely difficult conditions with the ball bouncing and swinging a lot. Although the Australian climate isn’t expected to be all that harsh, the young man will undoubtedly face difficulties due to the bounce.
John Buchanan, the former head coach of Australia, described Jaiswal as a “exciting player” but advised against taking advantage of Perth’s increased bounce.
“There is a lot of talk about that, is not there? He is an exciting young player, and certainly one to watch, but he would be to me one of those examples. He (Jaiswal) has not played in Australia, or at least he has not played in Perth in a Test match on a wicket that bounces.”
“So, his ability to adjust his game to those conditions in some sense might be a barometer as to how India will go through the series,” he added.
Earlier this year, in the series against England, Jaiswal gave an amazing performance. Jaiswal was the series’ top scorer during England’s tour of India, amassing 712 runs at a strike rate of 79.91 from 5 matches and 9 innings, including two double hundreds and three fifties. His highest rating was 214*.
Australia’s home series versus India begins on November 22 with the first Test held in Perth.
The thrilling day-night format will be present in the second Test, which is slated to take place at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10, under the stadium’s lights. Following that, supporters will focus on The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test, which is scheduled for December 14–18.
The customary Boxing Day Test, set for December 26 to 30 at Melbourne’s storied Melbourne Cricket Ground, will bring the series to its penultimate stage.
The fifth and final Test, taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, will serve as the series climax, promising a dramatic conclusion to an exciting contest.
