Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting knock in the ongoing first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur came to an end in the first session of day three. The southpaw departed after playing a valuable knock of 70 runs.
India were in a precarious situation when Ravindra Jadeja had walked out to bat. The hosts were reeling at 168 for 5. From that stage, he scored a fighting fifty and shared valuable stands with skipper Rohit Sharma and fellow allrounder Axar Patel.
He shared a 61-run stand with Rohit before the latter departed after scoring 120. The 34-year old and Axar then shared an unbeaten stand of 81 runs to help India finish day 2 on a commanding 321 for 7.
Ravindra Jadeja finished the day on 66 while Axar was unbeaten on 52. He, however, could not build on the fifty he scored on day two and departed on day three after adding just 4 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja proves Aakash Chopra right:
Ravindra Jadeja’s fine knock came to an unfortunate end on day three when he became Todd Murphy’s sixth wicket in the ongoing Test. The left-hander shouldered arm a delivery from the off-spinner and could only see the ball going on to hit the off stump.
And as the error in judgement ended his brilliant knock, it also proved former India batsman Aakash Chopra right. Following the end of second day’s play, the former cricketer-turned-commentator had pointed out Jadeja’s weakness while leaving the ball.
Chopra had said that Jadeja lacked confidence while leaving the ball and the latter proved him right by getting dismissed while leaving the ball.
“In my book, he is the best all-rounder on the planet right now. His batting has improved leaps and bounds,” Chopra said on ESPNcricinfo. “The reason for that improvement is just self-belief. He always had the shots. I have scored 2-3 centuries in first-class cricket, he knows how to score runs and stitch innings together.
“I think he lacks the confidence in leaving the ball. Sometimes he gives the feeling that he is batting way to low in the order for the ability he has. Jadeja – the batter – has been sensational,” added Chopra.
Talking about the Nagpur Test, India have put themselves in a commanding position. At the time of compiling this report, the hosts were on 397 for 9 with Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj in the middle. Earlier in the game, Australia were all out for just 177.