The third day of the first Test between Australia and India in Perth witnessed some remarkable individual and team performances. From record-breaking centuries to significant partnerships, here’s a look at all the key numbers from the match:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Record Century
Yashasvi Jaiswal made history by becoming only the third Indian batter to score a century in the first match in Australia. His 161 runs in the second innings put him alongside the legendary ML Jaisimha (101 in 1967-68) and Sunil Gavaskar (113 in 1977-78) — both of whom also scored their maiden centuries in Australia’s second innings. This achievement adds to Jaiswal’s growing reputation, cementing his place as one of India’s most promising young batters.
2. A Stellar Start to Jaiswal’s Test Career
Jaiswal has now accumulated 1,568 runs in his first 15 Test matches, surpassing the previous record for Indian players held by Vijay Hazare (1,420). Among all players globally, Jaiswal’s tally is only surpassed by cricketing legends like Don Bradman (2,115), Mark Taylor (1,618), and Everton Weekes (1,576) for the most runs in the first 15 Tests of a career.
3. Jaiswal’s Impressive List of 150-Plus Scores
The young opener now boasts four 150-plus scores in Test matches. Remarkably, only the great Don Bradman (five) has more such scores before turning 23, with Jaiswal sharing second place with Javed Miandad and Graeme Smith (both of whom also managed four). Furthermore, Jaiswal is the second player in Test history, after Graeme Smith, to convert all of his first four centuries into scores above 150 runs.
4. Duck and a 150-Plus: A Rare Feat
Jaiswal achieved a rare feat in this match, becoming just the fourth Indian batter to score a duck and a 150-plus score in the same Test. The previous instances include Madhav Apte (1953), Nayan Mongia (1996), and Sarfaraz Khan (2024), who each achieved similar feats. Jaiswal’s 161 in the second innings was a testament to his resilience after being dismissed for a duck in the first.
5. Jaiswal’s Six-Hitting Prowess
In 2024 alone, Jaiswal has hit 35 sixes in Test matches, a feat that has surpassed Brendon McCullum’s record of 33 sixes in a calendar year in 2014. This impressive tally underscores Jaiswal’s aggressive batting style and his ability to clear the ropes consistently.
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6. Historic Opening Stand by Jaiswal and Rahul
Jaiswal and KL Rahul put together an opening partnership of 201 runs in India’s second innings. This stand not only marked the highest opening partnership for India in Australia but also became the sixth 200-plus opening partnership for any visiting team in the country. The only other Indian pair to achieve such a feat was Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth, who posted 191 runs in 1986.
7. Survival and Longevity: Rahul and Jaiswal’s Stubborn Stand
The opening pair of Jaiswal and Rahul survived a remarkable 63 overs (378 balls) together, which is the longest opening partnership for a visiting pair in Australia this century. The only longer stand in the 21st century was between Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss (398 balls) in the 2010/11 Ashes series.
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8. Virat Kohli’s Landmark Century
Virat Kohli’s masterful 100 in Australia marks his seventh Test century on Australian soil. Only Jack Hobbs (9) has more hundreds by a visiting batter in Australia, with Kohli now matching Wally Hammond’s tally of seven. This century also brings Kohli’s total to 10 hundreds across formats in Australia, the most by any visiting batter in the country.
9. Virat Kohli’s Catches Record
Kohli further extended his legacy in the field, having now taken 116 catches in Test cricket. This tally places him third among Indian fielders (non-wicketkeepers), behind Rahul Dravid (210) and VVS Laxman (135). Kohli’s sharp reflexes continue to make him one of the most reliable fielders in the game.
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10. India’s Huge Improvement in Second Innings
India’s second innings total of 487/6 declared was a massive 337-run improvement from their first innings score of 150 all-out. This is India’s second-largest improvement in an away Test, after their 346-run improvement in 1967 against England at Headingley. The match in Perth has seen India dominate with their batting, showcasing their resilience and strength in Test cricket.