Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has offered important advice on how bowlers can exploit the weaknesses of in-form opener Yashasvi Jaiswal when he begins his innings. The 23-year-old impressed at Edgbaston with a brilliant 87 off 107 balls, which included 13 boundaries, a knock that stood out even in the presence of Shubman Gill‘s commanding unbeaten double century.
Jaiswal was dismissed by Chris Woakes. Reflecting on the dismissal, Pujara recommended that bowlers who consistently hit a good length just outside the off stump and show patience are more likely to capitalize on the left-hander’s susceptibility in that area.
“In the beginning, it seemed like he was trying too hard to force shots, but once he settled in, the quality of his strokes was exceptional. Once he survives the first half-hour, he’s completely in control. He capitalises on every scoring opportunity, which makes it very difficult for the bowlers.”
While Ravindra Jadeja played a composed innings, scoring 89, it was Shubman Gill, who amassed 269. He hit 30 boundaries and 3 sixes and added 203 runs with Jadeja.
Jaiswal played a pivotal role in anchoring India’s first innings at Edgbaston.
Pujara, who has featured in 103 Test matches, noted that although Jaiswal had a slightly shaky start, he adapted well against the English attack.
“You need to bowl the correct length, around off-stump, hitting a good length. Keep doing that and be patient, waiting for him to make an error,” Pujara said.
“If you bowl it up, he drives with ease. If it’s short and wide outside off-stump, he cuts effectively. If you go for bouncers, he pulls them confidently. The margin for error is less.”
Jaiswal has amassed 192 runs so far at an impressive average of 64. In the previous Test, he made a century, accumulating 101 runs in the first innings. However, his fielding errors came under scrutiny, which contributed to India’s five-wicket defeat.