Sanjay Manjrekar, an ex-Indian batter, confessed his displeasure. He didn’t like the decision to push Ravindra Jadeja before Sarfaraz Khan. This happened on the first day of Rajkot’s third Test.
After missing the second Test due to a hamstring injury, the all-rounder came into bat in the ninth over, with India struggling at 33/3 in their first innings. It was only the eighth time Ravindra Jadeja has batted at No. 5 or higher in his 102 Test innings.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo at stumps on Day 1, Manjrekar commended Jadeja with profiting on his promotion in the batting order, despite his opposition to the move:
“Have to applaud Jadeja for what he did because batting him at No. 5 was something I didn’t like at the time. Just for a left-right combination when that has a huger impact in white-ball cricket and not as much in Test cricket. And can’t assume Sarfaraz Khan can’t play left-arm spin well when he might actually be brilliant against it. Always better to send your debutant, a pure batter, ahead of somebody like Jadeja.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
The 35-year-old showed incredible tenacity in facing English bowling and scoring his fourth Test century. It was also Jadeja’s first Test ton at No.5, with his previous three coming at No.7.
The southpaw, ranked No. 1 in the world for Test all-rounders, hit nine boundaries and two maximums in his innings.
“He is able to just bat almost Pujara style on occasions” – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar commended the coolness and self-trust exhibited by Ravindra Jadeja during his gameplay, similar to Cheteshwar Pujara’s approach.
India saw a remarkable turnaround from being 33/3, thanks to the veteran all-rounder and captain Rohit Sharma, who scored a double hundred. A pivotal 77 was added by Jadeja along with newcomer Sarfaraz, wrapping up the day still undefeated at 110.
“The move to send Jadeja at No. 5 and it working was purely because of this interesting mindset he has got where he backs himself so much that he is able to just bat almost Pujara style on occasions. Because he knows he has a good enough defense, the shots and the reserves to get a 100. He has got a lot of these knocks where he takes his time and rides the tough passages, which is fascinating for someone to have such a temperament.”
Sanjay Manjrekar
Thanks to Jadeja and Rohit, Team India concluded Day 1 with a commanding score of 326/5 in 86 overs.
Meanwhile, Mark Wood was England’s most effective bowler, taking three key wickets.