Perth Test: India extend lead to 405 at tea on Day 3 after centurion Jaiswal falls
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Perth: Australia's bowling attack was left dejected on day three of the first Test in Perth as India had a smooth sailing to 359/5, with the lead climbing to 405 at tea. The brilliant Yashasvi Jaiswal fell, but after scoring 161.
Dismissing Rishabh Pant (1) and Dhruv Jurel (1) early and preventing K L Rahul (77) from joining Jaiswal in the list of centurions was a minor win for the hosts. But Virat Kohli denied them the chance of getting him out cheaply as he helped himself to a respectable 40 not out a the break, his first 20-plus score in five Tests this year.
India were all out for 150 in the first innings after boldly electing to bat in seam-friendly conditions, and Australia were skittled for just 104 in response.
Resuming on 90 overnight, within the first half-hour Jaiswal brought up his fourth test hundred audaciously upper-cutting pacer Josh Hazlewood to deep fine leg.
The emerging sensation had a moment to contemplate his celebration as umpires checked for a four or six, and upon confirmation that it flushed the boundary rope he raised his arms and embraced his opening partner KL Rahul.
A missed run-out by Aussie captain Pat Cummins gave Jaiswal a life on 101 in the 63rd over, but five balls later Rahul (77) feathered fast man Mitchell Starc to keeper Alex Carey to break the monster 201-run opening stand - India's highest Down Under.
Jaiswal, whose innings started conservatively, became increasingly aggressive as the ball aged and the fielders tired, bashing and slashing to force unorthodox field placements including a fly slip 15 metres in from the boundary.
His only false shot came when Cummins, around the wicket, cramped the batsman for room and a late cut flew just above the outstretched hand of Steven Smith at second slip.
Marnus Labuschagne failed to make an impact with his part-time medium pace, at one point presenting second-gamer Devdutt Padikkal (25 not out) with a rank full toss dispatched for four.
Australia's seamers did not make any inroads after taking the new ball, conceding 20 runs in a productive four overs for the visitors before the break.