Day 2 of the Perth Test saw an electrifying moment when Yashasvi Jaiswal decided to take on Australia's Mitchell Starc in a verbal exchange. During the 19th over of India’s second innings, Jaiswal struck Starc for a stunning boundary, prompting a mocking stare and grin from the Aussie pacer.

Banter with Starc sets the stage 

Unfazed, Jaiswal responded boldly, declaring, "You are coming too slow at me." The young batter further silenced Starc by delivering another confident stroke, underlining his mettle against one of cricket’s fiercest bowlers.

The banter marked a significant turning point in the innings, as Jaiswal, dismissed for a duck in the first innings, showed his resolve to make amends and keep India in a commanding position.

Starc to Harshit: I'm faster than you mate
Yashasvi Jaiswal to Starc: You are coming too slow!#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/eGaGChrEEp

— Registanroyals (@registanroyals) November 23, 2024

Half-century and records: Jaiswal’s spectacular comeback

Following his eight-ball dismissal in the first innings, Jaiswal bounced back in style. The left-handed batter scored a gritty 50 off 88 balls, laced with five boundaries, propelling India to a crucial lead of 130 runs by tea.

With this knock, Jaiswal set two remarkable records. He now holds the record for the most fifty-plus scores in 2024, surpassing Joe Root with his 10th such performance. Additionally, Jaiswal broke Gautam Gambhir’s 16-year-old record for the most runs by an Indian left-handed batter in Tests in a calendar year, amassing over 1160 runs.

See Also: Watch: Shreyas Iyer smashes 57-ball 130 for Mumbai in SMAT

Root, who trails Jaiswal in the fifty-plus scores tally for 2024, leads the Test run charts with 1338 runs. However, Jaiswal’s consistent performances this year highlight his rapid rise in the international arena, solidifying his place as one of Test cricket’s brightest stars.