In an impressive display of batting prowess, Yashasvi Jaiswal took the canter stage on Day 1 of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam. Bidding his time and showcasing a more measured approach, Jaiswal remained unbeaten on a stellar 179 as India reached 336/6 at the stumps.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal laid a solid foundation, with Jaiswal adopting a cautious strategy in the early part of his innings. However, Rohit’s dismissal to spinner Shoaib Bashir marked a historic maiden Test wicket for the England bowler.
Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal, and the duo initially adopted a watchful approach. Eventually, Gill fell victim to the genius of James Anderson, leaving the stage for a formidable partnership between Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. The pair’s 90-run stand steered India through to Lunch and maintained stability in the first half of the second session.
Despite Iyer’s dismissal for 27 off 59 balls, debutant Rajat Patidar took charge. His promising start was cut short in the final session by Rehan Ahmed, who claimed his wicket for 32.
Earlier, Rohit Sharma confirmed at the toss that Patidar would make his debut, replacing the injured KL Rahul. Additionally, India opted for Kuldeep Yadav over the all-round option of Washington Sundar in place of Ravindra Jadeja. Resting pacer Mohammed Siraj, they brought in Mukesh Kumar.
The match at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam follows a shocking defeat for India in Hyderabad in the first Test. Despite the setbacks, India, no strangers to coming back from behind in the home series, looks determined to level the five-match series.
Key Highlights:
India chose to bat first after winning the toss.
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal started cautiously.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir claimed Rohit’s wicket, marking his maiden Test wicket.
Shubman Gill fell to James Anderson after a promising start.
Yashasvi Jaiswal notched up his second Test century.
Shreyas Iyer and debutant Rajat Patidar showed promise but were dismissed.
Debutant Shoaib Bashir secured his second wicket, removing Axar Patel.
KS Bharat departed for 17, but Jaiswal stood firm as India reached 336/6 at stumps.