Yashasvi Jaiswal is on fire. On Day 1 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, he did it again for India. In swinging English conditions, he not only batted solid but also broke a 50 year old record.
India were put in to bat after England won the toss. The pressure was on from the first ball but Jaiswal stood tall. He started cautiously and got to his 50 in 96 balls.
This was no ordinary 50 he became the first Indian opener in 50 years to score 50+ at Old Trafford. Indian openers have struggled here for decades but Jaiswal broke the curse.
This was Jaiswal’s 12th Test 50 and 3rd of the series. His scores in this series now read: 55*, 0, 13, 28, 87, 4, 101.
He’s now joined an elite club. He has 8 50+ scores against England in 16 innings equal to Rohit Sharma who did it in 24 innings and behind only Sunil Gavaskar who did it in 66 innings.
Even KL Rahul who’s known for his good overseas record has 7 50+ scores in 27 innings against England. That puts Jaiswal’s numbers in elite territory.
Jaiswal also reached 1000 Test runs against England. He’s the 20th Indian to do so.
And guess what? He did it in just 16 innings the joint second fastest Indian to get there along with Mohammad Azharuddin. Only Rahul Dravid did it quicker in 15 innings.
That’s elite company again and Jaiswal is getting there match by match. Jaiswal’s form is not just good it’s consistent and impactful.
He’s showing the kind of stability India’s top order has been missing overseas. His ability to bat long, handle English conditions and score quickly when needed is a big plus.
At a ground where Indian openers have failed time and again Jaiswal delivered. And not just delivered he made a statement.
India made 3 changes in this Test, brought in Sai Sudharsan, Anshul Kamboj (debut) and Shardul Thakur. But it’s Jaiswal’s calm presence at the top that stood out.He’s the future of Indian Test batting and he’s here to stay.
If he keeps this up he’ll not just be in the records he’ll break them.
