ENG vs IND: It Was Vitally Important For Ravindra Jadeja To Hit The Ground - Wasim Jaffer
Published - 02 Jul 2022, 03:44 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:09 AM
Former Indian player Wasim Jaffer said Ravindra Jadeja played an equivalent role in helping India to escape a batting slump in their first innings of the fifth Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Jadeja played a supportive role to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant in their 222-run stand for the seventh wicket.
Jadeja remained unbeaten on 83 after facing 163 balls, his innings included 10 fours. Jadeja ensured England didn’t cause any damage from one end as he stood firm at the crease while allowing Pant to carnage from the other side as India finished the day at 338/7.
Pant scored 146 in 111 deliveries, with the help of 20 boundaries and four sixes, to register the fastest Test hundred by an Indian keeper in just 89 balls. Pant broke the record of MS Dhoni, who scored his century in 93 balls against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 2006.
It was very vital for Ravindra Jadeja to hit the ground running: Wasim Jaffer
Jadeja, who was named the captain of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2022, scored 116 runs in 10 innings at 19.33 and returned five wickets with the ball at an economy rate of 7.52 last season. The queer thing was Jadeja dropped a few catches in the tournament as well.
“Jadeja didn’t have a great IPL. A lot of things happened in that CSK camp, and then he gave back the captaincy. It was very vital for him to hit the ground running. He’s played some really important knocks in all formats. Really happy for him,” Jaffer said on ESPNCricinfo.
Ravindra Jadeja has played almost as equally an important part as Rishabh Pant: Wasim Jaffer
Jaffer explained how Jadeja’s contribution was equally important for India after they were reduced to 98/5 by England pacers James Anderson and Matthew Potts. Jaffer believes if Jadeja bats for a longer period on the second day then India can expect a formidable score.
“It’s difficult to say this, but Jadeja has played almost as equally an important part as Pant. Someone had to be that anchor to allow Pant to play that way. For the reputation that these two have, it’s important to stress how well they played when they first came in,” Jaffer said.
“Definitely India in advantage, but Jadeja playing in the first hour is very crucial. If he bats, India could look to get 375. If he gets out then, I don’t see them getting many runs,” he added.
Jadeja can score his third Test hundred on the second day if he survives the movement by England bowlers in the first session.
