Former Indian cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri injected humour into India vs England 3rd Test commentary, marvelling at Ravindra Jadeja’s astounding average at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Shastri playfully suggested that even the late Australian legend Sir Don Bradman might be peering down from above, admiring Jadeja’s mad average of 135.
Jadeja emerged as a crucial player for India in the first innings, forming a formidable 204-run partnership with captain Rohit Sharma to stabilize the innings after a shaky start. Despite the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, followed by Rajat Patidar, Jadeja and Rohit took charge.
Rohit Sharma, after scoring a notable 131, fell victim to Mark Wood, but Jadeja continued his impressive performance. His one blunder was getting debutant Sarfaraz Khan run out for 62. Nevertheless, this did not hinder the Indian innings, and after Sarfaraz’s departure, Jadeja secured his fourth Test century.
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Jadeja’s remarkable record in Rajkot’s Saurashtra region, with an average of 135 in 17 Ranji Trophy matches, prompted Ravi Shastri to humorously suggest that even Don Bradman might be taking notice from the heavens. Bradman, with a career average of 99.94, remains one of cricket’s all-time greats.
“Look at that average. He could make even Don Bradman look from above,” quipped Ravi Shastri during the commentary on Jio Cinema.
Ravindra Jadeja eventually departed after scoring 112 off 225 deliveries, including nine fours and two sixes. His dismissal came through part-time bowler Joe Root, who took a soft caught-and-bowled opportunity. On day two, Jadeja was joined by night watchman Kuldeep Yadav, who fell victim to veteran English seamer James Anderson.
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Debutant wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel, replacing KS Bharat, formed a promising 57-run partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin. Their collaboration aimed to propel India’s score beyond 400, with Jurel showcasing his skills. The 1st session of day two progressed slowly in terms of run-scoring, but Jurel and Ashwin intended to elevate the run rate before England’s bowling attack posed a threat, potentially with a series of bouncers.
