Yashasvi Jaiswal Targeted by Australia, Buchanan Joins Hayden and Lyon in Assessing Indian Opener

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian opener, has quickly become a focal point for the Australian cricket community. Former Australia coach John Buchanan, alongside Matthew Hayden and Nathan Lyon, has praised Jaiswal’s talent but also warned him about the unique challenges of playing in Australia.

Jaiswal’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of impressive. With 1,028 runs, including three centuries and two double hundreds, in just nine Test matches, he has established himself as a key player for India. His average of 68.53 in Tests and his position as the second-highest run-scorer in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, just behind England’s Joe Root, speak volumes about his potential.

However, the upcoming tour of Australia will be a new test for Jaiswal. As the opening partner of India’s captain Rohit Sharma, this will be his first time facing Australia on their home turf. While he found success in his debut series in the West Indies, where he scored 171 in his first Test match, handling Australia’s formidable pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood—on their home pitches will be a different challenge.

Jaiswal’s recent experiences in tough conditions, like in South Africa, where he struggled to get beyond 28 runs in two Tests, highlight the difficulties he might face in Australia. Although the conditions won’t be as challenging as in South Africa, the bounce on Australian pitches, particularly in Perth, will test his adaptability.

John Buchanan acknowledged Jaiswal’s talent but emphasized the importance of adjusting to Australian conditions. “He’s an exciting young player, definitely one to watch,” Buchanan said. “But he hasn’t played in Australia yet, especially not in Perth, where the bounce can be tricky. His ability to adapt to these conditions could indicate how well India will perform in the series.”

Earlier this year, Jaiswal shined in the series against England, emerging as the top run-scorer with 712 runs in just five matches. His consistent performance, including two double centuries, proved his capability against high-quality bowling.

India’s tour of Australia will consist of five Test matches, a rare occurrence after nearly three decades. The series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test will be a day-night match in Adelaide, starting on December 6. The third Test will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30