Ravindra Jadeja’s sword celebration: Indian all-rounder celebrates in his quintessential style after completing his ninth Test half-century.
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During the third day of the fifth Test of the ongoing Pataudi Trophy between England and India at The Oval, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scored his ninth Test half-century, rescuing the team from a batting collapse.
Playing in only his second Test of the year, Jadeja had a point to prove for he hasn’t been given enough opportunities in the recent year. Jadeja was India’s pick of the bowlers in the first innings, registering bowling figures of 30-0-79-4.
Having scored a half-century to improve India’s batting woes, he has certainly made a point in this match.
Jadeja came in to bat at No. 8 in the 49th over when Rishabh Pant (5) was dismissed by Ben Stokes. With less than three overs remaining in the day, Jadeja managed to survive the testing period to resume batting on today’s morning.
He and Hanuma Vihari (56) shared a 77-run partnership for the seventh wicket as India made early inroads back into the match. Jadeja’s innings didn’t go in a tipsy-topsy manner like Vihari’s.
When Vihari got out in the 77th over, Jadeja was batting on 39*. Having made a significant start, Jadeja was expected to bat with the lower order in a bid to close in on England’s first innings total. The 29-year old southpaw didn’t lose his composure whilst having lower order batsmen at the other end.
He eventually completed his half-century on the last delivery of the 85th over with a punch through the off-side for a boundary off Moeen Ali. After performing his archetype sword celebration, Jadeja was seen pumping his chest, perhaps to signify to the team management regarding him sitting out for so long.
As this piece is being written, Jadeja is toiling it out with India’s last batsman in Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian team would be hoping that Jadeja takes India as close as possible to the English total of 332.
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