After destroying Australia on Day 1 of the first Test, Ravindra Jadeja responds forcefully to those who have criticized the Nagpur surface.
Ravindra Jadeja of India disregarded the rumors surrounding the Nagpur pitch after destroying the Australian middle order on Day 1 of the inaugural Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With stats of 5 for 47 and his 11th five-wicket haul, Jadeja helped India knock out Australia for 177 in little under two sessions. It was the seasoned all-first a rounder’s international game since the Asia Cup group stages the previous year.
In contrast to many previous Indian Test sites, the Nagpur pitch was slower and had less bounce, according to Jadeja, who disregarded the outcry that it was a “doctored” or “rank-turner.” “No, this is not at all a rank-turner. Compared to other pitches in India, the wicket is sluggish and has less bounce. The case was simple to make today. There may be more turning as the Test match goes on, but that is normal everywhere “After the game, Jadeja stated in a news conference.
India’s openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul gave the hosts a strong start, demonstrating that the surface was free of demons. The Indian skipper took only 66 balls to reach his half-century. After the day, Rahul was dismissed by rookie Todd Murphy, but Rohit had India up to 77 for 1 at the stumps.
All five wickets were taken by Jadeja on Thursday during the second session. He began by taking out Marnus Labuschagne, who was only one run away from reaching his first Test fifty in India. Labuschagne was stumped by Jadeja when he managed to get one past his bat. After Matt Renshaw’s attempted flip shot was unsuccessful, he sent him back for a golden duck.
Jadeja also secured the crucial dismissal of Steve Smith. Smith played for the turn, unlike Labuschagne, but to his dismay, the ball went right through and disturbed the woodwork.
“The ball was leaving the player’s hands with excellent line and length. Because the pitch doesn’t have a lot of bounce, I concentrated on bowling stump to stump. I was aware that if I did so, I could use the bowled and LBW options “said he.
Jadeja said that his Ranji Trophy encounters against Tamil Nadu helped him find his bowling rhythm.
“Playing first-class cricket allows you to bowl to talented batsmen. The team I played against, Tamil Nadu, had excellent batting. So, I had excellent preparation. In Chennai, the pitch was comparable, although there was less bounce. I used the stump-to-stump strategy once again “Added he.
