India’s Dominance Shines as Jaiswal and Kohli’s Centuries Crush Australia in Perth on Day 3

• Australia: 104 & 12/3 need 522 more to win
• India: 150 & 487/6 dec (Jaiswal 161, Kohli 100*, Rahul 77)

With an incredible 161, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been heralded as India’s newest batting sensation, displayed his great potential. Jaiswal solidified his position in Indian cricket history in a city that has been shaped by cricket greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

The pair, who opened with KL Rahul, set a record-breaking partnership of 201 runs, the most ever for Indian openers in Australia. Rahul anchored the innings with a solid 77, but Jaiswal showed off his aggressive stroke play. When Jaiswal lofted a short ball over fine leg for six, the crowd was left in awe. It was a spectacular way to mark his milestone.

With a resounding 100*, Virat Kohli, whose last Test century was in July 2023, silenced his detractors. Drawing inspiration from his valiant performance at the same location in 2018, Kohli modified his style to counter Australia’s assault and demonstrated classic aggression. He celebrated by kissing his wife and basking in the cheers of the audience, and his milestone was cemented with a boundary to deep fine leg.

Australia was given the difficult goal of 534 after India declared at 487/6. Australia was reduced to a precarious 12/3 at stumps by the blazing spell of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the shadows grew longer. Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne were removed by Bumrah’s unplayable deliveries, and Pat Cummins, the nightwatchman, was removed by Siraj.

A failing pitch that bounced unevenly added to Australia’s problems. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc put in great efforts with the ball, but the visitors were unable to take advantage of early opportunities. With India’s bowlers poised to take advantage of the situation even more, the hosts now face the daunting challenge of chasing a record target.