Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fighting hundred against Australia in the second innings of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test helped the Indian cricket team to a massive 295-run win in Perth.
India took a 1-0 lead in the five-Test campaign courtesy of Jaiswal’s 161 and stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah’s fearsome spells. Jaiswal’s knock was only the third instance of an Indian batter scoring a century in their first Test in Australia.
“It was a very special moment for me. I always wanted to tour Australia and do well and this knock is very important for me,” Jaiswal said during the press conference after the third day’s play.
The 22-year-old Jaiswal, who was retained by the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 season, showed no signs of nervousness in his nineties getting to his maiden hundred Down Under with audacious shots behind the wicket.
“I always wanted to play with a fearless mindset. I always believe in myself and make brave decisions. So, it was an amazing experience to play against such quality bowlers in their country, and it’s special to score a hundred against the world’s best,” he explained.
After getting out for nought in the first innings, Jaiswal was determined to come up with a big knock to help the team’s cause. The left-handed opener began watchfully and his first fifty came in 123 balls and included only five fours. But once he was set he upped the ante showcasing his wide array of shots.
“The wicket was seaming a bit more in the first innings. In the second innings, we were discussing how to play the new ball better — which balls to leave and which to play. So, it was important for the team that I play the new ball better,” he reflected.
Jaiswal has created a reputation for scoring big hundreds with all his four centuries in Test cricket fetching him more than 150 runs, Graeme Smith being the only other player to manage this feat in Test cricket.
"I never thought I would get this big a hundred, as my goals were small, taking it session by session.
Jaiswal acknowledged that the intra-squad match simulation at the WACA Stadium had helped the team get ready for the steep bounce at the Perth Stadium.
“We knew that the ball would bounce here. We were prepared for the bounce. We had a nice camp here ahead of this Test. We were practicing in similar conditions with the same kind of mindset as how we can score runs in these conditions. It’s all about practicing hard and learning what shots to play here,” Jaiswal concluded.
