Team India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has supported his spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin to take his 500th Test wicket against England in the third Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The veteran off-spinner was left with 499 scalps at the end of the second Test at Vishakapatnam.
Ashwin appeared to take his 500th wicket in the last match. However, a contentious review reversed the decision against Tom Hartley. The experienced spinner hasn’t displayed his usual brilliance in this series, securing nine wickets with an average of 36.33.
Jadeja said that he is surprised Ashwin has not reached the milestone yet, given his effectiveness in subcontinent conditions.
“He will take it here, nothing to worry. I am very happy for him, been playing with him for years. Thought he would get it in the first test match, it’s okay. It is destiny that he will get it here in my hometown,” Jadeja said during the pre-match press conference in Rajkot.
Ravindra Jadeja
Ashwin’s 97 Test matches brought him close to a big number: 499 wickets! The 500th wicket is around the corner. If he grabs it in the next Test, he’ll join the elite club second fastest, worldwide! Muttiah Muralidaran, cricket’s legend, is ahead of him. Muralidaran reached the 500-wicket plateau in just 87 Test matches. He took the crown in this long-format sport.
After Jadeja was ruled out for the second Test, Ashwin bowled with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. However, with Jadeja having recovered from his injury ahead of the Test at his home stadium, Ashwin will have a reliable companion at the opposite end when bowling in tandem.
“They are sweeping but in my opinion, it’s to keep it simple, not change” – Ravindra Jadeja
The English hitters, emboldened by the fearless Bazball mindset, have repeatedly delivered sweep shots, which have shown to be an excellent technique of thriving at the crease when done correctly. Ollie Pope demonstrated an exhibition of such strokes during his magnificent 196-run knock in Hyderabad, which helped England win the series opener.
Ravindra Jadeja stated that he wants to keep things simple and not get stirred up about the strokes that the opposing batsmen choose to play.
“You can start thinking of where should I bowl. They are sweeping and all, but in my opinion, it’s to keep it simple, not change.”
Ravindra Jadeja
The third test between India and England is slated to begin on Thursday, February 15. For the time being, the five-match series is even at 1-1.