Despite the consistent fall of wickets, Jaiswal’s century propels India forward
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s second Test century alleviated some of the shortcomings displayed by India’s other batsmen, who faltered after choosing to bat on day one of the Vizag Test.
Following a half-century in the initial Test, Jaiswal demonstrated increased focus in the second match, crafting a delightful century marked by a powerful six over long-on. Serving as the linchpin of India’s batting lineup on a pitch devoid of challenges, the left-handed opener formed partnerships but witnessed them unravel.
At the onset, captain Rohit Sharma was determined in his defense, passing up boundary opportunities when spinners erred in length. Despite a boundary-less 41-ball innings, he succumbed to debutant Shoaib Bashir, caught at leg slip.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal capitalized on the spinners’ lapses, seizing boundary opportunities. Partnered briefly with the positive Shubman Gill, who adeptly manipulated the spinners’ lengths, Jaiswal persevered.
However, England executed a well-devised plan to dismiss Gill, as James Anderson returned for a second spell before lunch. Gill’s attempt to disrupt Anderson’s lengths ended in discomfort, and he fell to a wide delivery, caught by the keeper for 34.
Jaiswal reached his fifty alongside Shreyas Iyer, but their progress was halted post-lunch with disciplined bowling. Breaking free after a slip chance was missed by Root, Jaiswal accelerated into the nineties with three consecutive boundaries. Shortly after reaching his home-soil Test century, Iyer’s restlessness led to his dismissal, caught by Ben Foakes off Tom Hartley.
Despite India’s batters initiating promising partnerships, England curtailed their progress with regular wickets. Debutant Rajat Patidar, however, concluded the day confidently, sharing an unbeaten 46-run stand with Jaiswal.
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