Yashasvi Jaiswal targeted by another Australian legend after Nathan Lyon

As Australia and India gear up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, all eyes are on Team India’s rising star, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Yashasvi Jaiswal has already made a name for himself with his fearless batting and aggressive stroke play, but the true test of his mettle lies ahead as India prepares to tour Australia for the five-match Test series later this year.

Amidst the buzz for the much-awaited Test series, legendary Australian opener Matthew Hayden has weighed in on the challenges that await Jaiswal.

Hayden, known for his dominance on fast and bouncy tracks during his playing days, has expressed admiration for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s skills, particularly his ability to play on the rise and execute those elegant cover drives.

Matthew Hayden doubts Yashasvi Jaiswal’s survival on bouncy Australian tracks

It’s a stroke that has drawn comparisons to Indian greats like VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar, both of whom mastered the art of thriving on Australian pitches, but Hayden feels these traits make Yashasvi Jaiswal an exciting player, but it could also be the reason for his downfall on Australian soil.

The bouncy tracks Down Under are a different beast altogether, and Jaiswal’s fondness for riding the bounce might help him well, but at the same time, it could also expose him to serious risks.

The stroke that dazzles on subcontinental pitches could become his Achilles' heel in Australia if not executed with precision, according to the legendary Australian cricketer.

However, Hayden warned that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s ability to drive through the covers will be put to the ultimate test against Australia’s world-class pace attack, especially on larger grounds where mistimed shots could be dangerous for the young Indian opener in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Jaiswal’s cover drive might spell trouble Down Under claims Hayden

As reported by the Indian Express, Matthew Hayden said on the sidelines of the CEAT Awards in Mumbai: “I’m looking forward to seeing how he adjusts, you know, and bouncy tracks. His ability in particular to get on the up through the covers is phenomenal. That will also have its vulnerabilities.”

Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive pull shot, which is a weapon he often unleashes with little regard for weight transfer, and this audacious stroke have brought him considerable success in the IPL, but Australia’s vast outfields and fearsome bowlers could turn it into a double-edged sword.

The margins for error would be razor-thin for the left-handed batter, and Hayden suggested the youngster make critical adjustments if he wants to avoid falling into the traps set by Australia’s formidable speedsters in the upcoming five-match Test series between Australia and India, starting on November 22.

Jaiswal will have to make little adjustments: Hayden

Hayden further explained, “We did notice a few times in the IPL that he’s a very hard hitter of the ball, pull shots in particular. But that will be challenged by three world-class speedsters, assuming they’re all fit. And on much bigger grounds as well.”

He signed off by saying, “It has to almost be the perfect contact for that ball to sail over six. So, you can get caught easily, three-quarters of the way in the fence. So, they have little adjustments that world-class players like Jazzy (Jaiswal) will have to make.”