Jaiswal goes from Mumbai slums to conquering Australia

Australia has a new nemesis, with rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal posting a fighting century to put India on the verge of a 1-0 series lead in the battle for the Border-Gavaskar trophy.

Jaiswal, who grew up in the slums of India, reached triple figures early on day three when he flicked Josh Hazlewood over fine leg for six.

The left-hander raised his hands in the air before hugging teammate KL Rahul upon bringing up the ton.

There was more pain to come for Australia, with Jaiswal making it to 161 before slashing Mitch Marsh straight to Steve Smith at gully.

Jaiswal stood despondently on the spot, shaking his head as his simple error sunk in.

But after composing himself, he took off his helmet and acknowledged the applause of the crowd as he walked off.

India declared at 6-487 late on Sunday, with Australia crashing to 3-12 in their pursuit of a near-impossible 534 for victory.

The 201-run stand between Rahul and Jaiswal set a new record for the highest opening partnership by India in Australia, bettering the 191 set by Sunil Gavaskar and Kris Srikkanth in Sydney in 1986.

Jaiswal made 171 on debut in the West Indies in 2023, and announced himself as a future superstar with scores of 209 and 214 not out at home to England in February.

But with just one other score exceeding 50 away from India entering the Border-Gavaskar series, there were question marks about how Jaiswal would perform in Australia.

Jaiswal averaged just 12.5 from his two Tests in South Africa in 2023, and made a painful eight-ball duck on Friday in his first Test innings in Australia.

But his composed 297-ball masterclass in the second dig showcased his immense talent and proved he has the capabilities to thrive in unfamiliar conditions.

"I think for me, all the centuries are amazing," Jaiswal replied when asked to compare his ton against Australia with his other big scores.

"But yeah, this will be special, because I really wanted to do it.

"I worked so hard for it in every practice session. I wanted to score runs here in Australia, so I really enjoyed it."

Sachin Tendulkar - one of Australia's chief tormentors from the past -  took nine Tests before posting his maiden Test ton.

It took Tendulkar until his 19th Test to post his fourth century.

Jaiswal now has four tons and eight half-centuries in 15 Tests, and is averaging 58.07 in a career that is a story of persistence.

He lived in the slums of Mumbai as a child, often going to bed without dinner as he chased his cricketing dreams.

Jaiswal lived in a tent for three-years while selling street food in between his training commitments.

Now, he is fast emerging as a global superstar.