Statistical analysis of Yashasvi Jaiswal's struggles against pacers in Tests
The rising star of Indian cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has had an incredible start to his Test career. Earlier this year, he became the second-fastest Indian to accomplish 1,000 Test runs (16 innings). However, despite this feat, a closer look at his performance indicates a glaring weakness against pace bowling. This could trouble him in the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. Here we decode his numbers versus pacers in Test cricket.
Jaiswal's performance against different types of pacers
As per ESPNcricinfo, his average drops to 38.84 when facing pacers as opposed to an impressive 75.16 against spinners. Right-arm pacers have dismissed him 10 times across 25 innings. However, the southpaw has an average of 47.20 in this regard. His average further plummets to 11 against left-arm medium pacers, having fallen prey to them thrice across four innings.
Jaiswal's technique against pace bowling
Jaiswal's technique against pace has also come under the scanner. He plays away from his body facing balls from a right-arm pace bowler over the wicket, often going for an expansive drive on the front or back foot. This was exploited by Bangladesh's Nahid Rana in the Chennai Test, leaving a chink in Jaiswal's batting armor against pacers.
Jaiswal's potential battle against Mitchell Starc
As Jaiswal gears up for an important Test series in Australia, where pitches provide good bounce and movement off the pitch and in the air, it will be imperative for him to polish his technique against pace bowling. His primary challenge would be tackling left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc early on. The speedster is known for his lethal opening spells. Moreover, he boasts a sensational average of 24.39 against southpaws in home Tests (69 wickets).
Struggles versus Nandre Burger
Jaiswal had a hard time during India's 2023-24 away Test series against South Africa. He could only manage 50 runs across four innings at 12.50. Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger was his major nemisis on that tour as he dismissed Jaiswal thrice. The southpaw's other dismissal came at the hands of Kagiso Rabada. As tracks in SA and Australia are similiar in nature, Jaiswal must overcome his struggles to put up a solid show.
Here are his Test stats
Jaiswal boasts an incredible record of 1,407 runs from 14 Tests at an average of 56.28 and a strike rate of 70.13. He has three centuries and eight half-centuries to his name, with a best score of 214. However, 1,091 of his runs have come at home at 60.61. He has managed 316 runs across four away Test matches at 45.14.
