Jobaaj Stories
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his 14th Test fifty, his second of the match, and teamed up with Rishabh Pant to keep India's chances of drawing the match alive. At Tea on the final day, India reached 112/3, still 228 runs away from their target, but with only 38 overs left for Australia to bowl.
Jaiswal showed great patience after facing tough bowling from Mitchell Starc in the morning. On a slow fifth-day pitch, the left-hander settled in and played cautiously, taking opportunities to score when they came. His fifty, off 127 balls, was his slowest in Test cricket, but it was crucial for India’s survival.
The day started poorly for India, with Pat Cummins taking two quick wickets. He dismissed Rohit Sharma with a sharp delivery and then KL Rahul with an outswinger in the same over. Virat Kohli also fell, nicking a ball to the slips just before Lunch, leaving India struggling.
After Lunch, Jaiswal and Pant provided much-needed resistance. Jaiswal stayed focused despite some chatter from Starc, with Pant stepping in to calm his partner. Pant also played with caution, scoring just 28 runs from 93 balls by Tea. He avoided risky shots, even against Nathan Lyon, a bowler he usually dominates.
Their partnership gave India hope of surviving the final session and avoiding defeat. With Australia needing seven more wickets in 38 overs, Jaiswal and Pant’s defensive play will be key in deciding the outcome of the match.
