Ravindra Jadeja made sure that KL Rahul didn’t forget what happened just a few days ago at Edgbaston. During Day 1 of the third Test against England at Lord’s, Jadeja was seen warning Rahul at first slip when he felt he wasn’t paying full attention. The reminder came as Jadeja bowled the 57th over and seemed concerned that Rahul could miss another catch.
“KL, dekh le. Phir bolega dhyaan nahi tha,” Jadeja said, meaning “KL, watch carefully, or you’ll say you weren’t paying attention again.” His frustration dates back to a dropped catch at Edgbaston that had denied him a wicket.
This time, Jadeja did get a wicket—he dismissed Ollie Pope, who had scored a century in the previous Test. Pope edged the ball to wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel after tea, giving India an important breakthrough. Captain Shubman Gill’s decision to bring Jadeja on immediately after the break paid off, as the spinner finished the day with figures of 1/26 in 10 overs.
Jadeja’s Role Crucial Heading into Day 2
As Day 2 begins, Jadeja is expected to play a bigger role, especially with the pitch likely to offer more spin. England ended Day 1 at 251/4, with Joe Root unbeaten on 99 and Ben Stokes on 39. The two batters have stitched together a 79-run stand that has kept England stable.
Stokes looked uncomfortable during his innings and was seen battling pain, likely from a groin strain. Despite the injury, he stood firm with Root as the pair frustrated the Indian bowlers on a slow pitch. With the surface set to offer more turn, Jadeja’s control and accuracy could be key in breaking the partnership and putting India on top.
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