Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant steady India’s ship in Boxing Day Test thriller | Cricket News

Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal

NEW DELHI: Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant staged a spirited fightback on the final day of the Boxing Day Test, keeping India in contention against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The duo batted through the entire post-lunch session, guiding India to 112/3 at the tea break on Monday in pursuit of a daunting target of 340 runs.
The morning session had plunged India into deep trouble, with three quick wickets leaving the visitors reeling. Australia captain Pat Cummins struck a double blow, dismissing Rohit Sharma (9) and KL Rahul (0) in the same over. Mitchell Starc added to India’s woes, sending Virat Kohli (5) back to the pavilion just before lunch, reducing India to 33/3.
Scorecard: India vs Australia, 4th Test
However, Jaiswal and Pant displayed immense resolve and maturity, forging an unbeaten 79-run partnership that has kept India’s hopes alive. Jaiswal, unshaken by the mounting pressure and provocation from Starc’s on-field antics, reached his half-century and remained unbeaten on 63 at the break. Pant provided steady support, finishing on 28 not out.

Starc attempted to disrupt Jaiswal’s concentration with unorthodox tactics, including switching the bails at the non-striker’s end and engaging in verbal exchanges. But the 23-year-old opener held firm, responding with boundaries and composure that frustrated the Australian attack.
Pant, known for his aggressive batting style, showed a different facet of his game. His deliberate approach was evident, with a remarkable 69% of his deliveries either defended or left alone – the highest such percentage in his Test career for innings where he faced at least 50 balls.
Pant’s calming influence was audible through stump mics, as he advised Jaiswal with words like “Koi jaldi nahi hai” (There’s no rush), underscoring their calculated strategy.

The post-lunch session belonged entirely to the Indian pair, who absorbed pressure and kept the wickets intact while steadily chipping away at the target. With 228 runs still needed and seven wickets in hand, the final session promises a gripping finish to what has been an enthralling fourth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.