Yashasvi Jaiswal Sledges Mitchell Starc: Alastair Cook Applauds His Boldness
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is in the news for his bold play and strong performances. On day two of the first Test in Perth, Jaiswal, on 161, took a dig at Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc. He said, “You are coming too slow at me.” Starc was walking back to his mark. The comment left the left-arm seamer smiling.
Former England captain Alastair Cook praised Jaiswal’s confidence and flair. He called him a “class player.” On TNT Sports, Cook praised the 22-year-old. He stood tall against a bowler of Starc’s caliber, a feat few young players would attempt.
Alastair Cook on Jaiswal’s Sledging
Cook admired Jaiswal’s fearlessness. He noted that challenging Mitchell Starc is not for the faint-hearted.
“We’ve seen his celebration enough here, but it’s more enjoyable against Australia than England, certainly. And sledging Mitchell Starc, saying at a certain stage, I think he wasn’t on 100, he wasn’t on anything on a major score, but he’s telling him you’re bowling slow,” Cook said on TNT Sports.
“And I’ve faced Mitchell Starc and he certainly doesn’t bowl slow. And if he was bowling slow, I’d keep my mouth shut and not wind him up, but have the confidence to do that as a 22-year-old.”
Jaiswal’s Record-Breaking Form in 2024
Jaiswal’s brilliance in the first Test wasn’t an isolated performance. The young opener has scored 1280 runs in 12 Tests this year. He is the second-highest run-getter in Tests in 2024. England’s Joe Root leads the tally with 1338 runs in 15 matches.
Cook noted Jaiswal’s record as an Indian opener. He mentioned the challenges of batting at the top of the order.
“I think he scored the most runs as any Indian player up to after 15 Test matches at the top of the order, which I’ll keep saying it, no one else believes me, it’s the hardest place to bat. What a classy player he is,” Cook added.
Chasing Tendulkar’s Record
Jaiswal’s great form has him close to breaking a long record. He needs 282 more runs by year-end to beat Sachin Tendulkar’s record. In 2010, he set it at 1562 Test runs in a year.
With his form and ability to perform under pressure, Jaiswal can etch his name in history. He can join India’s cricketing elite.
Key Highlights:
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Perth Test Performance: 161 runs
Sledging Incident: Told Starc, “You are coming too slow at me”
2024 Test Runs: 1280 in 12 matches (2nd highest behind Joe Root)
Sachin Tendulkar’s Record: 1562 runs in 2010 (282 runs needed to break it)
