IND vs AFG 2018: Afghanistan can Excel in Test Cricket - Ravindra Jadeja

It proved to be a horrifying Test debut for the Afghans, as they were annihilated by an innings and 262 runs in the only Test at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

For the first time, India managed to beat their opposition inside two days of a Test match. It was always going to be a tough proposition for Afghanistan. However not many expected the game to finish within the 2^nd day.

The hosts got off to a brilliant start, courtesy a special knock from Shikhar Dhawan. His partner Murali Vijay well supported him. The duo shared a huge partnership of 168 runs before Ahmadzai bagged the wicket of Dhawan. However, by then, Dhawan had become the only Indian batsman to smash a century within Lunch of the opening day of a Test match.

Murali Vijay also went on to score a century, as India finished Day one on 347/6. Hardik played a good knock of 71 on day two, as India were eventually bowled out for 474 in their 1^st essay. Afghanistan opener, Mohammad Shehzad got a taste of Test cricket, as he was run-out by a brilliant throw from Hardik Pandya.

From there on, it was Ishant Sharma who bagged two crucial wickets. Ravichandran Ashwin then took the onus on himself to finish off the job for India.

He bagged four wickets while Ishant and Jadeja bagged two each, as Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 109 in the 28^th over. Even in the 2^nd innings, it was no different for the visitors.

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Ishant Sharma bowled a couple of splendid deliveries which pushed the visitors to the backfoot. A brilliant review brought about the downfall of Mohammad Nabi.

It was now time for Ravindra Jadeja to join in the fun. The left-arm spinner bowled in the perfect areas and ended up bagging four wickets. Ishant Sharma was successful yet again bagging two wickets.

This is what Ravindra Jadeja had to say after the end of the historic Test,

“Everybody was bowling well, to be honest. Umesh and Ishant set the tone for us in both innings. My job was to contain the runs, bowl in good areas, and not give easy boundaries. The wicket was flat, and not easy for spinners, so I just wanted to bowl in good areas. It’s a totally different wicket from the IPL. 

The pitch was turning like a rank-turner in the IPL, but today it was flat. I was giving it a rip but wasn’t getting a turn. Ashwin and I spoke about trying to keep it simple and keep it in the right areas. As for Afghanistan, Tests are all about technique and mental strength. If they can be technically and mentally stronger, then they will excel in Test cricket.”

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