SIR Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rub salt into Aussie wounds in BGT Series first Test

These two gentlemen, essentially in the team as spinners, showed a new dimension, just as night-watchman R. Ashwin did.

SIR Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rub salt into Aussie wounds in BGT Series first Test

Ravindra Jadeja Axar Patel

The romance of Test cricket was in full bloom in Nagpur on Friday. After ton-up, Rohit Sharma led the charge with the bat(on), and two other protagonists showed it was a normal pitch and not a minefield that would explode. Commiserations to Sir Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as they showed determination and skill to tackle the Aussie spinners on Day Two of the Border Gavaskar Trophy Series first Test on Friday.

For all those who love cricket’s long form, red ball and Tests, this was an engrossing day in many ways. Of all the things, least expected was that a fresh Aussie off-spinner would show his wares. Yes, bespectacled Todd Murphy exploded with a five-wicket haul, overshadowing his more seasoned partner Nathan Lyon. For sheer accuracy, maintaining line and length, Todd was rewarded. Just imagine, a day ago the Aussie pundits were moaning why this bloke was allowed to make his debut. Perhaps, the best get it wrong when the team management gets it right with the team mix.

That Rohit was in murderous form was a delight, as he showed true skills as a Test captain wanting to pilot the side. A ton in all formats as skipper is unique. Equally unique was the fact that two men, now known for their silken spin skills came good with the bat. They were rock solid, showed great temperament and the nuances of Test cricket were exemplified by Sir Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

There had been chatter over Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and debutant SKY — Suryakumar Yadav. All of them failed to deliver and two men from the west of India, Jadeja and Patel grabbed centre stage. Jadeja loves to bat, he uses the bat like a bludgeon and fear is not the key. There was a lot to think about watching him bat. How he had missed cricket due to a knee surgery, and how much he wanted to be part of the action. If it was his bowling which rocked the Aussies on Day One, his batting resembled that of a high-pedigree player.

For those not familiar, his Ranji record, even as a batter, is creditable. Drawing inspiration from Jadeja and skipper Rohit, Axar Patel (batting 52) also demonstrated how demons could be conquered. Batting is not about worrying what is on the pitch. Batting is not about worrying too much about who bowls what. Play on merit and keep the scoreboard ticking is an old adage.

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After skipper Rohit Sharma hammers a hundred, Indian spinners show they can bat well

Ravindra Jadeja Axar Patel
Axar Patel; Ravindra Jadeja

These two gentlemen, essentially in the team as spinners, showed a new dimension, just as night-watchman R. Ashwin did. It goes to show, once again, even when India are minus their best, like Rishabh Pant, new heroes are found. It was seen in the away series in Australia in 2021 how the fresh heroes could win India a series. For the Indians to rack up a lead of 140 runs is substantial.

For sure, the third day’s wicket will behave differently. On Thursday, Jadeja (batting 62) was being pilloried for using a cream, as if it was something he was using on the ball. Old-timers will remember John Lever from England used Vaseline in the 1976-77 series to get swing. It was a huge controversy at that time, and he became famous as Vaseline Lever. Jadeja, too, was being ripped on social media as the losers which Ausies are were complaining!

In an age when every inch of the ground is captured by prying TV cameras, from all angles, nothing is hidden. This is the same Aussie side which used Sandpaper, of which Steve Smith is a part. One also must not forget, present Aussie captain Pat Cummins will realize, how hard it is to lead in India. When you lose the initiative early on, it’s hard to bounce back. How soon the visitors can get the Indians out and then bat again will be interesting to watch. They will complain, wince and grimace. Final Frontier, did they say? Guess, the Aussies got it right, playing in India is not easy at all.

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