Jaiswal has taken to Test cricket like a fish to water: Ashwin

NEW DELHI: Batting in only his fifth Test, Yashasvi Jaiswal fired a blazing unbeaten 76 on the opening day of the first Test against England in Hyderabad as veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was highly impressed with the opener’s batting performance.
Ashwin pointed out that the youngster did not put a foot wrong in his dazzling innings and has taken to the five-day format ‘like a fish to water’.
Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten after facing 70 balls at the close of play, showcased his batting prowess with nine boundaries and three sixes, taking on the English bowlers.
Partnering with captain Rohit Sharma (24), Jaiswal formed an impressive opening stand of 80 runs, propelling India to 119 for one at stumps in response to England’s 246.
Shubman Gill was the other not out batter, on 14, with India trailing England by 127 runs at stumps.
“He (Jaiswal) had a great time in the IPL, had a wonderful start in first-class cricket. I am quite enjoying it. I am seeing Rishabh Pant there. His fearless cricket is serving him well,” Ashwin said after the end of the opening say’s play.
“Yashaswi has not put a foot wrong, he has taken to Test cricket like a fish to water,” the senior spinner added.
Electing to bat, England were 108 for three after 28 overs at lunch. But they lost the plot as the day progressed, with Ashwin (3/68) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/88) doing the bulk of the damage and Jasprit Bumrah (2/28) and Axar Patel (2/33) chipping in.
“It was pretty interesting in the first session, maybe there was a bit of moisture. Because of the early moisture, there was enough speed. Then it slowed down. Not enough speed to carry through to the slips,” Ashwin said.
“240 was a very very good competitive total. Thought 30-40 runs more than what we would have liked. Someone making a hundred tomorrow will put us in the driver’s seat.”
(With inputs from PTI)