India Mount Mammoth Target And Pressure On Australia In BGT Opener
Yashasvi Jaiswal's majestic 161 and Virat Kohli's return to form with a vintage century have put India on the brink of victory against Australia in the first Test in Perth. The visitors declared their second innings at 487-6 in the final session of day three, setting Australia a daunting target of 534 to win.
Facing an uphill battle, Australia faltered early with Nathan McSweeney dismissed for a duck by Jasprit Bumrah, and Pat Cummins falling for two, caught by Virat Kohli off Mohammed Siraj. Marnus Labuschagne was trapped lbw by Bumrah, leaving Australia in disarray at 12-3 at stumps, with Usman Khawaja not out on three.
The day belonged to Jaiswal, who grew up homeless in Mumbai's slums, as he hit 15 fours and three sixes in a composed 297-ball innings. The 22-year-old opener seemed destined for a double century before cutting Mitchell Marsh to Steve Smith at point.
Kohli, meanwhile, ended a lengthy lean spell by scoring his 30th Test century, silencing critics. Despite recent struggles, Kohli's record in Australia remains exceptional, with seven centuries and an average over 54.
Australia managed to remove Devdutt Padikkal (25), Rishabh Pant (1), Dhruv Jurel (1), and Washington Sundar (29), having earlier accounted for KL Rahul (77) before lunch. Rahul's dismissal ended a 201-un opening partnership with Jaiswal, a record for India in Australia.
Resuming at 172- after a dominant day two, Jaiswal reached his century with a six off Josh Hazlewood, marking his fourth ton and first in Australia. Despite initial doubts following a duck in the first innings, Jaiswal's performance against one of the world's best attacks dispelled any concerns.
Australia earned some reward when Rahul edged Mitchell Starc to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Playing in place of Rohit Sharma, Rahul did a stellar job supporting Jaiswal. Skipper Rohit is set to return for the second Test in Adelaide, posing a selection dilemma for the visitors.
After lunch, Australia got another breakthrough as Padikkal edged Hazlewood to Smith at slip. Jaiswal's dismissal triggered a mini-collapse with Pant stumped by Carey and Jurel out lbw to Pat Cummins. However, Kohli and Sundar steadied the innings, adding 89 for the sixth wicket before Nathan Lyon bowled Sundar.
Nitish Kumar Reddy then joined Kohli, launching an onslaught against a weary Australian attack.