Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made history during India’s ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. Jadeja surpassed fellow countryman Bishan Singh Bedi to become India’s most successful left-arm spinner in Test cricket.
In Australia’s second innings, Jadeja played a crucial role by dismissing two centurions from the first innings, Steve Smith and Travis Head. Finishing the day with figures of 2/25 in nine overs, Jadeja now has 267 wickets in 65 Test matches, surpassing Bedi’s record of 266 wickets in 67 matches.
Although Jadeja is now India’s most successful left-arm spinner, he currently holds the fourth position globally among left-arm spinners in Test cricket. The top three positions belong to Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath, New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, and England’s Derek Underwood.
Ravindra Jadeja in 2023
Jadeja has displayed exceptional form in the longer format throughout 2023. In five matches, he has scored 183 runs at an average of 30.50, including a half-century with a best score of 70. Additionally, he has taken 25 wickets at an average of 19.84 and an economy rate of 2.63. His best bowling figures in an innings this year are 7/42.
In international cricket in 2023, Jadeja has contributed significantly with both bat and ball. He has scored 262 runs in eight matches, averaging 32.75, and has taken 27 wickets at an average of 21.33 and an economy rate of 2.78.
Regarding the ongoing match, Australia ended Day 3 at 123/4, with Cameron Green (7*) and Marnus Labuschagne (41*) unbeaten. They hold a lead of 296 runs over India. Earlier, India was bowled out for 296 runs in their first innings, trailing Australia by 173 runs. Notably, Ajinkya Rahane (89), Shardul Thakur (51), and Ravindra Jadeja (48) made significant contributions to India’s total after a shaky start.
Australia’s first innings total of 469 runs was largely propelled by centuries from Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121). India’s leading bowler in the first innings was Mohammed Siraj, who claimed four wickets, while Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with wickets as well.
As the Test Championship final continues, India will be looking to stage a comeback and close the gap in the remaining days of the match.
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