New Delhi, India

Former Australian batter Greg Chappell lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal following his sensational 161 in the Perth Test and feels the 22-year-old appears to be in a good position to carry on the incredible heritage of batting excellence crafted by greats such as Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. The Aussie batting legend was highly impressed with Jaiswal's fearless approach and technical brilliance after his scintillating 161-run knock in India's second essay of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener, which Jasprit Bumrah & Co. won by 295 runs in Perth.

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After Bumrah-led India opted to bat first in Perth, they got bundled out for 150 but rode on stand-in captain Bumrah's 5 for 30 to dismiss the Aussies for a paltry 104. With a 46-run lead, India declared their second innings at 487-6, setting a mammoth 534-run target after Jaiswal's 161, KL Rahul's 77 and Virat Kohli's 100*. Following this, India pacers continued their merry run as Australia folded for 238 on Day 4 to lose the Perth Test. Jaiswal, who scored a hundred in his first Test in Australia, impressed one and all and, hence, Chappell wrote in his column on Sydney Morning Herald, "The young opener is fearless and appears poised to inherit the mantle of Indian batting excellence, following the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar."

Chappell further opined, "Jaiswal's journey encapsulates why India's planning and infrastructure give them a clear edge in world cricket." 

Also read: BGT 2024-25: 'To have Australia seven down...,' Ex-India coach Dravid on Bumrah's sensational Perth spell

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Chappell, who coached India from 2005-2007, pointed out the contrasting approach between India and Australia with regard to youth cricket development. He mentioned how Australian opener Nathan McSweeney debuted in the purest format, during the Perth Test, having made fewer domestic appearances across formats than Jaiswal. At 22, the Indian star has already featured in 14 Tests, 30 first-class matches, 32 List A games, and 53 IPL games.

Chappell also praised the role of Rahul Dravid, who has been instrumental in shaping India's junior cricket programs. In this regard, he added of the former India coach, "India's system prioritises long-form cricket at the youth level. This ensures players are well-versed in the nuances of the game. When India's U-19 team plays other countries, it often feels like men playing against boys in terms of game awareness."

Talking about the BGT 2024/25 edition, India – riding on Bumrah, Kohli and Jaiswal – have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series with the second Test commencing on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.