Ravindra Jadeja’s Epic Return Strikes Fear in Australia’s Heart
The Border-Gavaskar series opener in Nagpur saw Ravindra Jadeja’s epic return to international cricket after a five-month break. After being sidelined with a knee injury since August 2022, Jadeja talked about how it felt “weird” to play his first game after such a long break – a Ranji Trophy fixture for Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu. But, on the opening day of the 1st Test, the once-dissed all-rounder claimed his 11th five-wicket haul, helping India bundle out Australia for just 177 runs.
Jadeja’s Lethal Left Arm
Jadeja took to the pitch in the sixth over and got turn right away. Although he didn’t take a wicket in his first nine overs, he still looked the most lethal alongside spinners Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammad Siraj. Ashwin got the most turn and bounce, but Jadeja delivered the wow moments to the crowd more often.
Australia On the Back Foot
Australia were already on the back foot before India could even play their best hand. Siraj and Shami scythed through David Warner and Usman Khawaja to leave the Aussies reeling at 2/2. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne played admirably to take Australia to lunch at 76/2, but it was only a matter of time before India took control.
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Jadeja’s Moment of Magic
Jadeja slowed down one delivery to push Labuschagne on the backfoot, and the No.1 Test batter dragged his back leg away from the crease in search of the delivery, only for Srikar Bharat, on debut, to do the rest behind the stumps. The next ball saw Jadeja pocket his second wicket when left-hander Matt Renshaw was caught on the crease to a length ball. Australia were rocked once again.
Jadeja vs. Ashwin: An Impact Player Like None Other
It’s easy to forget the impact Jadeja has on proceedings when bowling in India, especially when he’s replaced by the more than able Axar Patel, and R Ashwin continues to be a step or two ahead of everyone else. Although Ashwin has a far superior guile, bags of tricks, and variations, Jadeja’s laser-accurate and often simple bowling plans often go unnoticed. But, similar to how Jadeja has transformed himself into a batter of substance in the lower order with some gritty knocks, today’s spell was a timely reminder of how the 31-year-old is an impact player like none other in world cricket.
Australia Stumped by Jadeja’s Breakers
In his spell on the day, Jadeja put the brakes on Australia with a superb delivery. A length delivery with no change in his action or the ball rotation, the ball pitched and Smith expected it to turn, but it just straightened, leaving Smith playing outside the line in no man’s land. Australia had Ashwin in their minds, but Jadeja’s spellbinding show was a timeless reminder of India’s unstoppable all-rounder.