IND vs AUS: 200 overs in 2 days, Inclined Track - How Yashasvi Jaiswal prepared for his Perth Testament

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Yashasvi Jaiswal stood like a Hercules along with KL Rahul to propel the Indian team in the first Test in Perth on Saturday (November 23).

The Indian southpaw tackled the Aussie pacers brilliantly and his unbeaten 90 on the second day of the opening Test has put India in the ascendence.

But Jaiswal's gritty display was not just of natural talent but the result of intense, innovative training to tackle short-pitched deliveries on bouncy Australian tracks.

With little time to transition from the spin-friendly pitches of India after the New Zealand series, Jaiswal turned to the Thane Stadium near his home. Under the guidance of Zubin Bharucha, Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket, he undertook a rigorous training regime over two days.

Speaking about Jaiswal's focused preparation, Bharucha shared with PTI, "The concrete slab placed at a 45-degree incline helped replicate the skiddy bounce of Australian pitches. Lighter, synthetic balls were used, making them travel quicker through the air, challenging his reflexes and positioning."

Jaiswal faced nearly 200 overs of throw-downs over two days, a feat that seems exhausting but was made manageable through rapid-fire delivery sessions.

"The rotational speed of delivery is quick, allowing for this volume of practice in 2.5 hours with a couple of breaks," Bharucha explained.

"This is what sets him apart, his ability to adapt and train meticulously for specific challenges," Bharucha concluded.

The southpaw had a baptism of fire in the very first innings down under as he was dismissed for a duck. But he has roared back in a sublime fashion. Jaiswal's fantastic 90 was not completely negotiating the Aussie pacers, as he hit 7 fours and 2 sixes so far. The two sixes meant the India batter has now hit the most sixes in Tests in a calendar year, surpassing former New Zealand star Brendon McCullum.

KL Rahul, Jaiswal's partner, also is unbeaten on 62 as the visitors are 172 without any damage in the 2nd innings. As we head into the crucial thrid day, India have a lead of 218 runs, significant in this undulating Perth deck.