India Tightens Grip on Australia in Perth Test

PERTH — Centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli put India in a commanding position against Australia, leaving the hosts struggling at 12 for 3 while chasing an improbable 534 on the third day.

Jaiswal scored a magnificent 161, his fourth Test century, all of which have crossed the 150-run mark. His 297-ball innings included 15 fours and three sixes. Alongside KL Rahul, Jaiswal shared a record-breaking opening partnership of over 200 runs, India’s best in Australia.

Kohli, who had been struggling for form, ended his 16-month Test century drought with an unbeaten 100 off 143 balls, hitting two sixes and eight fours. His innings helped India declare at 487 for 6 in their second innings.

Australia, needing a record-breaking 534 runs to win, lost three quick wickets in their second innings. Jasprit Bumrah trapped debutant Nathan McSweeney lbw with just the fourth ball. Mohammed Siraj removed nightwatchman Pat Cummins in the fourth over, while Bumrah dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the fifth over to end the day’s play.

India’s dominant position follows their first-innings lead after bowling out Australia for 150 in response to their own 317. No team has ever chased more than 418 runs in Test history, leaving Australia with a monumental task to save the match.