Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s latest young cricket superstar, has delivered the most breathtaking and brutal Test knock, taking one session to flip the momentum of a gripping five-match series and crush the spirit of a visiting England side.
After rival opener Ben Duckett displayed trademark Bazball traits in a run-a-ball innings of 153 to give England some hope of challenging India in Rajkot, Jaiswal fought fire with fire, blasting his third Test century — and his second of the series — to leave his team in a dominant position at stumps on day three od the third Test.
Upon reaching triple figures late in the day, Jaiswal leapt into the air before removing his helmet and gloves and blowing a kiss to the crowd as he took in the reception and moment.
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Jaiswal then received treatment on his back at the end of the 42nd over before electing to retire hurt unbeaten on 104 two overs later.
Still, India was in a strong position at 2-196 — a lead of 322 runs — at stumps, with Shubman Gill, who put on 155 runs with Jaiswal for the second wicket, unbeaten on 65 alongside nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav (3*).
England earlier in the day copped criticism for its poor performance with the bat, going from 4-260 to be all out for 319. Central to the commentary was veteran batter Joe Root, who was sharply caught at second slip after attempting a brazen reverse scoop shot off India’s fastest bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
But Saturday belonged to Jaiswal, who continued his excellent series against England and impressive start to his young Test career.
Opening up for India’s second innings, the 22-year-old was conservative and watchful at the start of his knock, getting to tea unbeaten on 19 off 54 balls.
But Jaiswal upped the tempo significantly during the final session of the day, hitting England veteran Jimmy Anderson for three consecutive boundaries — six, four, four — before smashing all three spinners — Joe Root, Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed — for sixes.
The left-hander raced to 88 off 101 deliveries then reached his century 21 balls later after cutting Mark Wood through the covers for four.
“What a player. He’s going to be entertaining crowds and those watching the game for many, many years,” ex-England opener Nick Knight said in commentary.
“He’s the complete player, really. Short ball, he’s got methods to cope with that. Spin, he’s got a method to cope with.
“He looks a very fine player – and what a prospect.”
Jaiwal showed off his full batting trick book during his century, smashing the England attack to all parts of the ground as he used both front and back foot effectively while showing a lovely balance between defence and attack.
“He’s playing England at their own game at the moment, Jaiswal,” Former England spinner Graeme Swann said of Jaiswal.
“He’s quite simply a stunning player. He’s got the brightest future ahead of him.”
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