Jaiswal Poised to Break Dravid's Long-Standing Test Record in England

Yashasvi Jaiswal is on the cusp of etching his name in the annals of Indian cricket history. The young opening batsman has the opportunity to become the fastest Indian to reach 2000 Test runs, potentially surpassing a record jointly held by two legends, Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag. The second Test against England, commencing on July 2nd at Edgbaston in Birmingham, presents the perfect stage for Jaiswal to achieve this milestone.

Dravid set the benchmark in 1999 against New Zealand in Hamilton, a feat matched by Sehwag in 2004 against Australia in Chennai.

Jaiswal, since his debut in July 2023 against the West Indies in Roseau, has amassed an impressive 1,903 runs in 38 innings, averaging a remarkable 52.86.

Yashasvi Jaiswal is on the cusp of 2000 Test runs. (Courtesy: AP)

Race to 2000 Test Runs: The Indian Contenders

Here's a list of the fastest Indian batsmen to reach 2000 Test runs:

• Rahul Dravid (40 innings) - against New Zealand, Hamilton, 1999
• Virender Sehwag (40 innings) - against Australia, Chennai, 2001
• Vijay Hazare (43 innings) - against West Indies, Port of Spain, 1953
• Gautam Gambhir (43 innings) - against New Zealand, Napier, 2009
• Sunil Gavaskar (44 innings) - against West Indies, Port of Spain, 1976

Jaiswal's Recent Form

Jaiswal showcased his potential in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds, which India lost by five wickets. He struck a brilliant 101 off 159 balls in the first innings, punctuated with 16 boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by England captain Ben Stokes.

However, he couldn't replicate the same performance in the second innings, scoring only four runs off 11 deliveries before being removed by Brydon Carse.

The young batsman will also be keen to improve his fielding after dropping four significant catches during the Leeds Test, errors that ultimately proved costly.