On February 9 at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, the much anticipated four-match Test series between India and Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy got off to a fantastic start. After winning a crucial toss, Australia decided to bat first. After six months of recovering from a knee injury, Ravindra Jadeja joined the Indian team.
After Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith combined for an efficient and effective 82 runs, Jadeja began to weave a web around the Australian hitters. Australia’s meagre score of 177 fell apart when Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja began to take wickets at regular intervals. Labuschagne, Smith, and Handscomb were vital wickets that Jadeja took in order to put India in the driving seat. On his return from injury, he made his fifer and significantly contributed to the opposition being bowled out.
It’s challenging to play Test cricket after five months: Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja addressed the media after the day’s games were over and talked about his pregame routine. “Playing after 5 months, especially in Test cricket, is difficult,” he remarked. I had trained diligently at NCA to improve both my talents and my fitness, so I was ready for it. After a lengthy absence, I participated in a first-class match (Ranji) and bowled nearly 42 overs. My confidence to get here and participate in a Test match was greatly increased.
The Indian All-rounder continued by discussing his time at the NCA and how it helped him make a comeback. “I was practising my bowling diligently when I was in Bangalore at the NCA,” he claimed. I was bowling for 10 to 12 hours every day, which was incredibly helpful. I was practising my rhythm since I knew I would have to bowl lengthy stretches in Test matches.