Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased impeccable composure and confidence to notch up his fourth career century in the longest format during the Perth Test against Australia.
This was Jaiswal’s maiden Test ton Down Under in his first appearance on Australian soil. After falling for a duck in the first innings to Mitchell Starc, the southpaw bounced back strongly in the second dig, smashing 161 off 297 balls with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes.
His knock and vital contributions from Virat Kohli (100*) and KL Rahul (77) propelled India to 487/6 (declared).
Chasing the mammoth target of 534, Australia’s second innings folded for 238 in 58.4 overs as the visitors won the game by 295 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Impressed with Jaiswal’s match-winning hundred, Australian legend Greg Chappell said that the 22-year-old is well-placed to carry forward the glorious legacy of Sachin Tendukar and Virat Kohli.
“The young opener is fearless and appears poised to inherit the mantle of Indian batting excellence, following the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar," Chappell wrote in his column for the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
Chappell, who worked as India head coach between 2005-2007, also highlighted the wide gulf in planning between the Indian and Australian cricketing establishment when it came to grooming youngsters for traditional formats.
"Jaiswal's journey encapsulates why India's planning and infrastructure give them a clear edge in world cricket. The young left-hander moved to Mumbai at 10, seeking the best competition to realise his dream of representing India," Chappell wrote.
"Considering the staggering odds of breaking into the Indian XI, his determination is remarkable. There are so many players in India who are good enough to play Test cricket, but some can't even get a game for their state team," he added.
Chappell then drew parallels between Jaiswal and the 25-year-old Australian debutant Nathan McSweeney, who scored 10 and 0 across the two innings of Perth Test.
"A comparison with Australia's Nathan McSweeney is illuminating. At 22, Jaiswal has played 14 Tests, 30 first-class matches, 32 List A games, and 53 IPL matches. By contrast, McSweeney, at 25, has just made his debut Test, with just 34 first-class, 22 List A, and 18 T20 matches under his belt," he stated.
According to Chappell, Indian cricket's junior red-ball programme is top-notch with opportunities to play multiple matches.
"India's system prioritised long-form cricket at the youth level under Rahul Dravid's leadership. This focus ensures that players are well-versed in the nuances of the game.
"In contrast, Australia's system limits opportunities for young cricketers, prioritising school commitments over competition during much of the year," he remarked.
Chappell also recalled his interaction with a young Sarfaraz Khan some years back. "When I asked a young Sarfaraz Khan – who has played six Tests for India but can't break into this team – about the balance between cricket and school for him as a then 16-year-old, he said, 'Oh, I don't go to school, I can go to school later if I want to, but I only get one chance at cricket'," he recounted.
Chappell warned the stakeholders of Australian cricket, stressing that lack of competitive matches would hurt development of young players.
"The lack of competitive matches at a young age leaves Australian players less prepared to handle the demands of international cricket. No amount of net practice can replicate the experience gained from playing meaningful games.
"Without significant changes to our development pathways, we risk falling further behind."
(With PTI Inputs)
