Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fearless Test debut, where he notched an unbeaten 76 against England on Day 1 of the opening Test, drew high praise from spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Ravichandran Ashwin commended Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive adaptation to Test cricket, particularly praising his half-century against England in the opening Test. Jaiswal’s aggressive 76-run innings, featuring nine fours and three sixes, kept England on the defensive on Day 1.
Partnering with skipper Rohit Sharma (24), he contributed to an 80-run opening stand, guiding India to 119 for one in response to England’s 246. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 14 as India trailed by 127 runs at the stumps on Day 1.
Ashwin praised Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fearless batting style, drawing parallels with Rishabh Pant’s aggressive approach in red-ball cricket. Acknowledging Jaiswal’s successful stint in the IPL and strong start in first-class cricket, Ashwin expressed enjoyment in witnessing shades of Pant’s fearless cricket in Jaiswal’s performance.
“He (Jaiswal) had a great time in the IPL, had a wonderful start in first-class cricket. I am quite enjoying it. I am seeing Rishabh Pant there. His fearless cricket is serving him well. Yashaswi has not put a foot wrong, he has taken to Test cricket like a fish to water,” Ashwin said after the end of Day 1.
The veteran spinner also noted the pitch’s evolving nature, mentioning an initial speed advantage that slowed down over time. He deemed England’s 240 as a competitive total, acknowledging the potential for an advantageous position if someone scores a hundred on the following day.
“It was pretty interesting in the first session, maybe there was a bit of moisture. Because of the early moisture, there was enough speed. Then it slowed down. Not enough speed to carry through to the slips. 240 was a very very good competitive total. Thought 30-40 runs more than what we would have liked. Someone making a hundred tomorrow will put us in the driver’s seat,” Ashwin concluded.
At the start of Day 2, Jaiswal fell victim to Joe Root, departing at 80 off 74 balls. Root surprised with a caught-and-bowled dismissal, delivering a full ball at over 90 clicks onto off and middle. Shortly after, Gill was dismissed by Tom Hartley, managing just 23 runs from 66 balls.
Last Updated on January 26, 2024
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