In the ongoing 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s cheeky sledge directed at Australian pacer Mitchell Starc during the first Test in Perth has sparked significant discussion.
The young Indian opener, while batting in the second innings, was captured on the stump mic telling Starc, “It’s coming too slow,” after dispatching him for a boundary. This playful remark occurred after Jaiswal had already made an impressive knock of 161 runs, helping India extend their dominance.
The incident quickly became a talking point, and Australian legend Mitchell Johnson was among those to weigh in. Johnson expressed his thoughts in a column, where he highlighted his disappointment with the Australian side’s response to Jaiswal’s comment.
The former pacer remarked that while he appreciated a bit of banter, he believed Australia should have shown more resilience and fight in response. Johnson stressed that Australia should not allow a young Indian batter to get under their skin so easily, especially in a high-stakes match like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Jaiswal, who had grown up watching Starc bowl, explained that his remark was more about enjoying the moment than intending to disrespect Starc. He mentioned that he had always admired Starc’s bowling and was thrilled to face him in a competitive match. Jaiswal’s comment, as he clarified, came in the heat of the moment, driven by the excitement of playing against one of his childhood heroes.
The playful exchange, which could have been seen as typical competitive banter, was an example of how cricket continues to blend on-field rivalry with light-hearted moments. While Johnson’s call for more Australian grit in future exchanges remains noteworthy, the interaction also served as a reminder of the growing confidence of young players like Jaiswal in international cricket.