In a crucial decision, the Indian team management opted to leave out Ravichandran Ashwin, leaving Ravindra Jadeja as the sole spinner in the World Test Championship Final against Australia at The Oval. Jadeja has played a pivotal role for India in the second innings, capitalizing on the widening rough patches and the drying wicket at the venue.
The magical delivery from Ravindra Jadeja to dismiss Cameron Green, who was well-set, proved to be a game-changer. Green had been batting patiently, forming a decent partnership with Alex Carey, before Jadeja outfoxed him with a well-executed plan.
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Targeting the outside leg stump line against the right-hander, Jadeja exploited the rough patches on the pitch. In the last ball of his 15th over, he pitched the ball outside leg stump, witnessing a significant turn that brushed Green’s glove. Caught in a position where he couldn’t offer a shot, Green’s bails were dislodged, sending him back to the dressing room.
Here is the video of the dismissal of Cameron Green:
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The partnership between Green and Carey had added 43 runs in 16 overs for the 6th wicket after India dismissed Marnus Labuschagne early on day four. With Australia extending their lead beyond 350 runs, India’s hopes of claiming the ICC World Test Championship mace were slipping away once again.
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The absence of Ravindra Jadeja’s partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin, especially on a sunny, dry wicket with noticeable rough patches, may have proved more fruitful for Team India. Moreover, Jadeja’s outstanding performance in this match has seen him surpass Bishan Singh Bedi’s record of 266 wickets, making him the leading wicket-taker among left-arm spinners in Indian cricket history.
