The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth provided plenty of drama, with Yashasvi Jaiswal stealing the show both with his bat and his words. In a light-hearted moment, the young Indian opener delivered a cheeky sledge to Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, saying, “It’s coming too slow,” after dispatching one of Starc’s deliveries to the boundary.
The exchange occurred during India’s dominant second innings, where Jaiswal scored a brilliant century and partnered with KL Rahul in an unbeaten stand.
Mitchell Starc, a seasoned bowler known for his fiery pace, admitted in a post-match interaction that he initially didn’t catch Jaiswal’s comment amid the noise on the field. However, once he learned about it, he shrugged it off as good-natured banter, showing his experience in handling such exchanges.
For Jaiswal, this was a statement of confidence after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.
The moment encapsulated the fearless approach Jaiswal has brought to international cricket, particularly in challenging conditions. His century in Perth marked his fourth in Tests, and he expressed immense satisfaction at succeeding on Australian soil, a place he described as particularly demanding for visiting batters.
Jaiswal’s verbal jab also highlighted a new dimension to his game—one of mental fortitude and self-belief, even against world-class opposition.
India’s commanding position in the Test was reinforced by Jaiswal’s stellar innings and the bowling heroics of Jasprit Bumrah, whose five-wicket haul earlier had rattled the Australian lineup. The exchange with Mitchell Starc was a small yet memorable subplot in a game that showcased India’s dominance and their strategic approach to secure a lead in the series.
As cricket fans reveled in the amusing on-field interaction, it became evident that Jaiswal’s rise in international cricket is not just about his runs but also his audacity to challenge seasoned players like Starc in their own backyard.