"We've to think about plan B" - Ravindra Jadeja discloses strategy to curb Bazball

Team India’s premier all-rounder across formats, Ravindra Jadeja, has come up with a strategy of his own as the Indians look to curb the Bazballing England side from becoming the first foreign team to register a red-ball series win here since 2012. Jadeja affirmed that keeping things simple and backing their abilities is key to dominating against Ben Stokes‘ side.

Ravindra Jadeja will be making his comeback in the 3rd Test at Rajkot after missing out on the 2nd due to a grade 1 hamstring injury sustained during the 4th innings of the 1st Test in Hyderabad. The Jamnagar-born cricketer had pulled up sore and walked away from the crease with a niggle after he was run out by a darting throw from the English captain while trying to complete a single.

The 35-year-old reported about pain in his right hamstring and was sent for scans immediately before the reports indicated that it was just a minor knock that would require him to sit out for Vishakhapatnam’s 2nd Test in which India brought the 5-match series on level terms at 1-1.

In the 3rd Test, which is slated to start tomorrow, Ravindra Jadeja will find himself in front of home supporters as the Saurashtra cricket stadium in Rajkot hosts the all-important match which could decide where the series is headed towards.

Ahead of day 1, Jadeja while speaking to the press earlier today, appreciated England’s Bazball style of Test cricket, claiming that no other visiting team has been this innovative with their approach but also pointed out, that Bazball also has a hit-and-miss flaw.

In the context of English batters playing all kinds of sweep shots, Jadeja stated that it’s important to not drive off from their respective plan and keep things as simple as they can be.

When they are playing those shots, you can start thinking ‘oh where should I bowl. They are sweeping but in my opinion it’s to keep simple, not change much,” Ravindra Jadeja told reporters in Rajkot as quoted by Indian Express.

“England has an aggressive style. In the past, it wasn’t easy for other teams that come here and play in these conditions. England have a style of playing aggressively. They connect sometimes, sometimes not. But that’s their style,” Jadeja said.

Jadeja then emphasized on what should the Indians be doing when an opposition like England are all over them, stating that they must prepare a plan B. “We have to think about our plan B. What’s our field? We have to stick,” Jadeja added.

“I think it will play well at the start”, Ravindra Jadeja makes assessment about Rajkot pitch

Ravindra Jadeja was then asked about his assessment of the surface at the Saurashtra stadium in Rajkot. Jadeja stated that the pitch would remain tight initially but would start to break down as days went by. He also emphasized that the surface doesn’t need much of a reading as it can be much different from what everyone is expecting.

“It looks hard. I think it will play well at the start and probably slowly start to break much later. Sometimes you get 36 wickets in 3 games. Sometimes it’s different. It can be very different each time. This one looks hard,” Jadeja concluded.