India’s allrounder Ravindra Jadeja delivered a masterclass in spin bowling on the first day of the third Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The left-arm spinner stunned Tom Blundell with a brilliant delivery, sending the bails flying and reminding everyone of his skill on a turning track. Blundell, just settling in at the crease, had no answer to Jadeja’s precise line and length.
The ball, pitched full on middle and leg, drew Blundell onto the back foot with a tentative defensive shot. But, with a sharp turn, it beat his bat and clipped the off stump, leaving the batter visibly shaken. Ravindra Jadeja’s dismissal of Blundell was part of a sensational over that turned the game in India’s favour. Just three balls before, he had claimed the crucial wicket of Will Young, who was batting fluently on 71.
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Will Young had anchored New Zealand’s innings, giving the visitors a solid start after lunch, but Jadeja’s accuracy and turn caught him off-guard. With a well-pitched delivery that found the edge, Jadeja sent Young back to the pavilion, as Rohit Sharma safely took the catch at slip.
Talk about striking in a quick succession! ⚡️ ⚡️
A double-wicket over for #TeamIndia, courtesy Ravindra Jadeja! 👌 👌
Live ▶️ https://t.co/KNIvTEy04z#INDvNZ | @imjadeja | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/D6WrpGPmx3
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 1, 2024
Ravindra Jadeja’s double strike not only halted New Zealand’s progress but reignited India’s momentum after a difficult partnership. Adding to the intensity of his spell, Jadeja dismissed Glenn Phillips a few overs later. This time, he changed his tactics with a ball that angled in rather than turning away, deceiving Phillips and further denting New Zealand’s lineup.
It was a moment that underscored Ravindra Jadeja’s versatility as he adjusted his deliveries to keep the batters guessing. Despite a relatively quiet series until this point, Jadeja’s skill and persistence shone through in this session.
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New Zealand’s batters had kept him at bay in the earlier matches, but his determination was unshakeable. In Mumbai, he displayed why he’s one of India’s most valued players, particularly in home conditions. With these breakthroughs, Jadeja helped India claw back into the contest, showcasing the impact of his precision and tactical intelligence on the field.
