Perth [Australia]: Indian batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal scripted history by smashing the most sixes in Test cricket in a calendar year, surpassing Brendon McCullum’s decade-old record. The 21-year-old southpaw achieved this remarkable feat on Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia in Perth.
Jaiswal’s record-breaking six, his 34th of 2024, came off Nathan Lyon as he danced down the track and launched the ball into the stands towards the end of the day’s play. This effort pushed him past McCullum’s tally of 33 sixes in 2014, cementing his place as one of Test cricket’s most explosive batters.
England captain Ben Stokes, who hit 26 sixes in 2022, now occupies third place on the all-time list. Other notable names include Adam Gilchrist (22 sixes in 2005) and Virender Sehwag (22 sixes in 2008).
A Steady Comeback After a Challenging Start
Jaiswal didn’t enjoy the best start to his debut tour in Australia, falling cheaply in the first innings after edging a full-length delivery from Mitchell Starc to Nathan McSweeney at gully. However, the young batter displayed immense resilience and patience in his second outing.
With improved batting conditions on Day 2, Jaiswal capitalized on a wearing ball and a softened pitch. He meticulously picked his shots and, along with KL Rahul, forged a mammoth 172-run opening stand. This partnership is now India’s highest opening stand in Tests in Australia since 2004, surpassing the 123-run effort by Virender Sehwag and Aakash Chopra at the SCG.
Statistical Highlights
Highest Opening Partnership in Australia: Sunil Gavaskar and Krishnamachari Srikkanth hold the record with a 191-run stand in Sydney in 1986.
Jaiswal’s Innings: He remained unbeaten on 90, displaying a mix of aggression and composure.
Rahul’s Contribution: KL Rahul played a supporting role, remaining not out on 62.
India’s Commanding Position
Thanks to Jaiswal and Rahul’s stellar partnership, India ended Day 2 with a formidable 218-run lead. Jaiswal’s knock not only rewrote records but also showcased his potential to dominate on foreign soil, solidifying his place as a key player in India’s Test lineup.
