Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will target his third Test double ton in year 2024 as the tourists dominate the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 opener at Perth Stadium. At the end of the first session on Day 3, India were 275/1 with a lead of 321 runs in the bag.
Starting at an overnight score of 172, Jaiswal reached his century with a six. He uppercut Josh Hazlewood to reach his maiden Test century on Australian soil from 205 deliveries. Jaiswal became the third Indian batter to score a Test century on Australian soil in maiden Test. He also broke former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Brendon McCullum's record for most sixes in a calendar year.
In the next over, Mitchell Starc broke the opening partnership with KL Rahul's wicket. He edged one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey who took a regulation catch. Rahul scored 77 runs from 176 deliveries including five fours. Jaiswal and Rahul shared a 201-run partnership from 63 overs, the highest for an Indian opening pair on Australian soil. It is also India's third-highest opening partnership in SENA countries (South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and England).
Padikkal, Jaiswal frustrate Aussies
Devdutt Padikkal walked out to bat and batted with patience. Pat Cummins ran out of options with the old ball. He gave the ball to Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head to keep the fast bowlers fresh for when the new ball is available. Before the new ball was due, the second-wicket partnership crossed 50 runs. Paddikal and Jaiswal hit a boundary each before the first session on Day 3 concluded.
Jaiswal was unbeaten for 141 from 264 balls including 12 fours and three sixes. Paddikal scored 25 runs from 70 balls including two fours. So far, Cummins has used as many as eight bowlers including himself, a rare sight.
More records to be broken
India need nine more runs in the second session to register their highest total at the venue. Their previous highest of 283 came in 2018. The highest score by a touring team at Perth Stadium belongs to West Indies. They posted 333 in the fourth innings in 2022. Overall, the highest score at the venue is 598/4. Australia scored it against West Indies.
