India vs Australia: ‘Let’s forget about the first Test, it’s a three-game series for us’ – Ravindra Jadeja reveals how India bounced back from Adelaide horror show
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India pulled off a memorable draw at the SCG before going on script history at the Gabba. The draw was a tale of India’s resilience as Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin put up a valiant fight despite carrying injuries. Apart from this duo, there was another player, who prepared to take the field even with a broken thumb if his team needed him. He was the star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Jadeja suffered the injury in the first innings but it didn’t stop him from padding up to bat. The all-rounder shares that he had taken an injection and was ready to bat if push came to shove. Jadeja explains that the plan was for him to go in only if India had a shot at winning the game. But Vihari’s injury meant India decided to settle for a draw. and the Rajput warrior didn’t had to bat with a broken thumb.
“I was all ready, padded up. Had taken the injection as well. Was just thinking that I would bat for 10-15 overs at least and mentally planning how the innings would pan out, which shots to play because it wasn’t possible for me to play all kinds of shots with the pain from the fracture. I was also calculating how to tackle the deliveries from fast bowlers, where would they pitch the ball to me, I was planning my role for when I go out to bat for those 10-15 overs,” Jadeja told Sports Today.
“I did have a talk with the management that I would bat only if India managed to reach a point from where the match could be won. Pujara and Rishabh Pant were batting well, they formed a partnership. We even felt that we could win the game [Sydney Test]. But unfortunately, Pant was out and the situation changed after that. We had to play for a draw from there on.“
We decided to look at it as a 3-match series
India got off to the worst possible start to the Test series with an eight-wicket mauling in Adelaide. The tourists were bundled out for just 36, their lowest ever Test total, in the second innings. But they bounced back to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy, as youngsters stepped up to aid their injury-ravaged team. Jadeja shared that the side wrote off the disastrous start and went into the second game with a clean slate.
“I think after Adelaide’s loss, it was a bit tough. You know bounce back from there. Especially in Australia, playing against Australia. It was tough as Australia’s bowling attack was very strong. That was the discussion we had in the team meeting,” Jadeja shares.
“We decided to look at it as a 3-match series from thereon. Let’s forget about the first Test, it’s a three-game series for us’. We decided that we will create positive energy in the ground and boost each other’s confidence by talking, not think or talk about Adelaide Test,” Jadeja added. “I personally decided that I will practice batting in Australia. I had a positive mindset that whenever I will get the chance I will contribute to the team’s cause.“
Misunderstandings happen, it’s a part of the game
In the second Test match at the MCG, India pulled off a memorable win bouncing back from the Adelaide debacle. The highlight of the game was stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane‘s gritty hundred under pressure. But his innings was cut short as he was run out following a miscommunication with Jadeja. The southpaw is disappointed by the way the incident unfolded. But adds that it all part of the game. None the less India went on to win the game due to that partnership and that is all that matters.
“When I walked in to bat, the team’s position was down. I had a chat with Ajinkya (Rahane) that we will try to build a partnership from hereon. If we can build a good partnership here then we can take lead over Australia and put pressure on them. We had those little plans to add on 20-30 runs in the partnership. At times it happens that if you start thinking about a big partnership than that will put you under pressure,” Jadeja adds.
“Unfortunately that run-out, miscalling happened, and I didn’t like it. We had forged a very good partnership but it’s a part of the game. Misunderstandings happen sometimes. But we still managed to take a good lead after that run-out. We are in strong position and we knew that if we took a 100-plus lead then we can bowl them out in second innings.”
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Anshuman Mahapatra
(1496 Articles Published)