Jaiswal, Kohli shine in Perth dominance

AFP | Perth

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Yashasvi Jaiswal slammed a majestic 161 and Virat Kohli roared back to form with a vintage century yesterday as India zeroed in on victory against Australia in the first Test in Perth.

The visitors declared their second innings on 487-6 in the final session of day three after Kohli rolled back the years to reach 100.

Faced with an ominous 534 to win, Australia needed to survive 30 minutes before stumps. But they instead imploded with rookie Nathan McSweeney out for a duck to Jasprit Bumrah and nightwatchman Pat Cummins falling for two, edging Mohammed Siraj to Kohli at slip.

When Bumrah trapped Marnus Labuschagne (3) lbw, a close was called with Usman Khawaja not-out three and Australia in disarray at 12-3.

The day belonged to Jaiswal, who grew up homeless in Mumbai, hitting 15 fours and three sixes in a mature 297-ball stay.

The 22-year-old opener, in his 15th Test, seemed destined for a double century but he cut Mitchell Marsh to Steve Smith at point and departed to a standing ovation.

“For me all my centuries are amazing, but this is special because I really wanted to do it (against Australia),” said Jaiswal.

“I worked so hard in every practice session, I wanted to score runs here in Australia, so I really enjoyed it.

“I was just playing normally, I always trust in me and believe in me.”

Kohli was also on fire in a welcome resurgence after a lengthy lean spell that sparked questions about his place in the team.

The 36-year-old rode his luck to bring up a 30th Test ton and his first since July last year to silence the critics.

Along with Jaiswal, Australia removed Devdutt Padikkal (25), Rishabh Pant (1), Dhruv Jurel (1) and Washington Sundar (29), having accounted for KL Rahul (77) before lunch.

Rahul’s demise snapped a 201- run opening partnership with Jaiswal, a record for India in Australia, eclipsing the previous best set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in Sydney in 1986.

“I think it’s just about the batters sticking to their plans tomorrow, batting some time,” said Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood on what Australia now need to do.