Yashasvi Jaiswal Prepares for Test Challenge in Australia

As India inaugurates the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy tomorrow at Perth’s Optus Stadium, young opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal is preparing for what could be his career-defining series. Having debuted in Test cricket last year in the West Indies, Jaiswal has quickly made a name for himself. In a short span, he has amassed 1,407 runs with eight half-centuries and three centuries across 14 Tests. This year, he leads India in Test runs, accumulating 1,119 runs thus far.

Jaiswal has the opportunity to break significant records in Australia. Two more sixes will surpass the record set by New Zealand‘s Brendon McCullum for maximum sixes in a Test calendar year. McCullum hit 33 sixes in 2014, while Jaiswal’s tally currently stands at 32. Moreover, he needs 219 more runs to eclipse England‘s Ben Stokes, the leading run-scorer for 2024, who has collected 1,338 runs this year.

In preparation for this series, Jaiswal has spoken openly about his respect for star Indian player Virat Kohli. He has maintained communication with Kohli, drawing inspiration from the veteran’s dedication and disciplined approach both on and off the field. Ahead of the series, Jaiswal expressed his excitement and readiness to face the Australian conditions, recognizing the differences in pitch and ball behavior.

«When I started playing senior cricket, I did speak to Virat Paji about managing myself,» Jaiswal said in a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). «He has taught me the importance of discipline in routines. His consistency motivates me to work hard and improve my habits. I believe I will get better day by day.»

Jaiswal has been training intensively since arriving in Perth, focusing on adapting to the pace and bounce of Australian pitches. His early preparations included participating in net sessions at the Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) ground, where he notably hit a ball so forcefully that it landed outside the practice area.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, while analyzing Jaiswal’s prospects, mentioned the need for caution in shot selection when facing Australia’s potent bowling attack, including players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins. «Yashasvi will play the new ball, so [he needs to] be careful when he wants to drive,» Manjrekar stated.

Jaiswal’s upcoming challenges are compounded by the presence of Nathan Lyon, a spinner known for his success against left-handers, a category to which Jaiswal belongs. Despite the challenges, including the formidable skill level of the opponents, Jaiswal is optimistic about contributing significantly to the team.

Shane Watson, a former Australian all-rounder, acknowledged Jaiswal’s aggressive style, explaining that aggressive players could maintain pressure on Australian bowlers, potentially influencing the game’s progress. «He’s scored runs quickly without making mistakes. He hasn’t given the opposition many chances,» Watson observed in a media discussion recently.

This Border-Gavaskar Trophy series not only tests Jaiswal’s cricketing ability but also provides invaluable experience. Whether he wins, draws, or loses, his performance will likely contribute to his growth in international cricket, potentially setting the groundwork for a promising future career.