Jaiswal’s Three-Net Strategy: Preparing for Starc's Challenge Ahead of Boxing Day Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal wasn't done yet. Despite a busy day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the young Indian opener was determined to fine-tune his preparations for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against Australia. As Rohit Sharma interacted with a dedicated group of Indian fans, Jaiswal quietly sat on the sidelines, reflecting on his earlier sessions. But, just as India’s training appeared to wind down, the 22-year-old decided to put on his helmet for a third stint in the nets.
Focused Preparation for Starc: Jaiswal’s session was meticulously crafted to tackle the challenge posed by Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who has dismissed him twice in the series' opening overs. Jaiswal opted for throwdowns from Sri Lanka's Nuwan Seneviratne, focusing specifically on leaving deliveries outside the off-stump while still playing attacking shots on those within his reach. The left-hander appeared determined to perfect his response to Starc’s deliveries, especially the shot that had led to his downfall in Brisbane—a flick off the left-arm that he'd misplayed.
Despite some misfires and self-admonishment for not committing fully to his shots, the highlight of the session came when Jaiswal drove a full delivery to the cover boundary with perfect timing. This stroke, he hopes, will replicate his success when facing the real Starc on Thursday.
Switching Focus to Scott Boland’s Challenge: Once his “pseudo Starc” workout was over, Jaiswal turned to another challenge. He asked for deliveries from a right-arm throwdown specialist, replicating Scott Boland's pace and lengths. Here, too, Jaiswal stuck to his principles of disciplined shot selection—regularly leaving balls outside the off-stump and focusing on playing with a tight defense. Only once did he edge a delivery, but quickly made a mental note of the mistake, a sign of his commitment to improvement.
Mentorship and Reflection: The session concluded with Jaiswal speaking to head coach Gautam Gambhir, seeking advice on how to regain his attacking touch, similar to the form he displayed in his memorable Test century in Perth. The young opener’s focus on improving his game is clear, and with the Boxing Day Test fast approaching, he’s leaving no stone unturned in his preparations.
Rohit Sharma’s Relaxed Session: Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s training session had a different vibe. After addressing the media and confirming his availability for the fourth Test, Rohit spent much of his time observing and interacting with fellow teammates. Although he did not face any bowlers, he worked closely with throwdown specialists, including Raghu and Daya, and was seen engaging in detailed conversations about his technique. There were a few testing deliveries from Daya, but Rohit handled them with his usual calm, demonstrating excellent timing and confidence, including a powerful pull shot that drew cheers from the fans.
By the end of his session, Rohit’s relaxed demeanor and positive body language suggested he was in good shape ahead of the Test, despite recent low scores. His focus was clear: he needs to deliver for his team, and he knows it.
Looking Ahead: Both Jaiswal and Rohit have faced their respective challenges in this series, but their preparations suggest they are far from done. Jaiswal, in particular, has shown resilience and determination in his pursuit of success. With a crucial Test ahead, both players are focused on regaining their rhythm and making an impact. The Indian team will be hoping they do, for Jaiswal is due a big score, and Rohit, after a few lean patches, is eager to reignite his Test form.
