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Jaiswal goes from Mumbai slums to conquering Australia

3 minute read

Yashasvi Jaiswal's star continues to grow, with the 22-year-old producing the fourth century of his fledging Test career and his first in Australia.

Australia has a new nemesis, with Yashasvi Jaiswal posting a fighting century to put India in the box seat of the Border-Gavaskar series opener in Perth.

Jaiswal, who grew up in the slums of India, reached triple figures early on day three when he lifted Josh Hazlewood over fine leg for six.

The left-hander raised his hands in the air before hugging teammate KL Rahul upon bringing up the ton.

His century helped India move to 1-201 in their second innings for an overall lead of 247.

Jaiswal made 171 against West Indies on his Test debut in 2023, and announced himself as a future superstar with scores of 209 and 214 not out in a Test series against England in February.

But with just one half-century to his name away from India entering the Border-Gavaskar series, there were question marks about how Jaiswal would perform in Australia.

He averaged just 12.5 from his two Tests in South Africa in 2023, and he made a painful eight-ball duck on Friday in his first Test innings in Australia.

But his composed display in the second dig showcased his immense talent and proved he has the capabilities to thrive in unfamiliar conditions.

Jaiswal now has four tons and eight half-centuries in 15 Tests, and is averaging close to 60.

The 201-run stand between Rahul and Jaiswal also set a new record for the highest opening partnership by India in Australia, with the previous mark being the 191 set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in Sydney in 1986.

Jaiswal's story is one of persistence.

He was living in the slums of Mumbai as a child, often going without food as he chased his cricket dreams.

Jaiswal lived in a tent for a three-year period while also selling street food in between his training commitments.

Now, he is fast emerging as a global superstar.

His innings against Australia was a thing of beauty, but he did receive a slice of luck along the way.

Jaiswal was on 51 when Usman Khawaja dropped a tough catch at slip.

The low-flying ball just made it to Khawaja's fingers, but he couldn't grasp onto it.

Jaiswal made Australia pay for the missed opportunity, with India well and truly on track to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series.

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