In a series that was billed to be all about ‘Bazball’, it’s Jais-ball that is stealing the thunder.

Compiling a wonderful double-century in Visakhapatnam, which was key to India restoring parity in the series after losing the opener in Hyderabad, Yashasvi Jaiswal produced another scintillating ton off his blade that has put India in command in this third Test here at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.

If conditions are batsman-friendly, this left-hander can be devastating, which he proved yet again with a dashing century — his second in the series and third in the format — coming off only 122 balls. He isn’t done yet in this innings though. Having to deal with a stiff back, he retired hurt on Saturday on 104 and one hopes he will be coming back fresh on Sunday. He hs hit nine boundaries and five maximums so far.

He’s gradually establishing himself as an attacking and reliable opener for India, providing much-needed stability to the top order. Barring skipper Rohit Sharma, India have not had a steady opener in recent times.

With Shikhar Dhawan no longer a choice ever since he lost his form and became inconsistent, the emergence of the left-handed Jaiswal is certainly a blessing for the team.

“He has got the solidity of Dhawan and the impetus that (Virender) Sehwag used to provide at the top. That’s crucial,” former India opener WV Raman told The Telegraph.

“Previously, this guy used to be a tad impetuous, but at present he looks a lot more mature and seems he can shift gears quite judiciously,” Raman highlighted.

England’s first-innings centurion Ben Duckett, too, couldn’t stop praising Jaiswal, hailing him as “a superstar in the making”, while hoping he’s “due for a couple of low scores”.

Jaiswal has shown his skills not only in Test cricket. In T20Is too, his numbers are quite impressive with four fifties and a hundred at an average of 33.46 and a strike rate of 161.93. His ODI debut is still awaited, but for sure he will get his chances there as well in time to come.

“He’s certainly proving to be an all-format player, having maintained his consistency,” Raman stated.

A lot depended on Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in this
Test as they were the only two specialist batters with some experience in the line-up alongside captain Rohit.
They failed in the first innings, but Rohit and Ravindra
Jadeja compensated with hundreds to build the platform for India.

The India bowlers did well to bowl England out and take a sizebale 126-run lead, but the home team still needed runs on the board in their second essay to put the visitors under the pump. Rohit didn’t last long this time around, but Jaiswal stepped up.

Not for once did he look shaky and after swatting James Anderson twice in an over, Jaiswal had got into his groove. Once his acceleration begins, he looks unstoppable.

More importantly, once he is set, he ensures to convert it into a big one.

Bigger tests though await Jaiswal, especially in challenging conditions overseas. The South Africa tour last December and in January gave him a tough time as all he could accumulate were just 50 runs in four innings.

“Well, it’s like a cat-and-mouse game as far as international cricket is concerned. You’ll be scrutinised and analysed in detail by the opposition, yet you have to find a way to prevail... Depends how well you do it,” Raman said.