At the end of Day 3 of the IND vs AUS 1st Test in Perth, Virat Kohli won hearts with a heartfelt gesture towards the young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, asking him to lead the Indian team off the field on Sunday, November 24. Both Jaiswal and Kohli gave a big knock scoring centuries, but it was Jaiswal’s batting that truly put India in command of the Test match in Perth.
As the day’s play ended with India firmly on top and Australia struggling, the team prepared to leave the field. Kohli approached Jaiswal and urged the 22-year-old to take the lead. With a smile, Jaiswal shy and obliged, accepting the applause from the crowd, as Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah shared a light moment, reflecting the team’s harmony.
Kohli’s daddy Knock
Virat Kohli played a beautiful knock, staying unbeaten on 100 from 143 balls. His innings included eight boundaries and two sixes, standing firm to anchor India’s innings. Kohli maintained valuable partnerships throughout, adding 89 runs with Washington Sundar and an unbroken 77-run stand with Nitesh Reddy. His efforts put India in a strong position in the match.
Jaiswal’s stellar performance
Earlier in the day, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s stunning innings of 161 runs off 297 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes, laid the foundation for India’s control. Jaiswal’s fourth Test century was a rage he had after getting out on duck in the first innings. His innings ended when he was caught by Steven Smith off a Mitchell Marsh delivery, but not before making a significant impact.
India’s bowlers turn the screws
India set a daunting target of 534 runs for Australia, who found themselves in deep trouble. Jasprit Bumrah claimed the early wicket of Nathan McSweeney, followed by Mohammed Siraj’s dismissal of nightwatchman Pat Cummins. Bumrah continued his spell, trapping Marnus Labuschagne in front of the stumps, leaving Australia reeling at 12 for 3, still needing 522 runs for an improbable victory. India’s firm grip on the match was a tribute to both their batting and bowling strength.
