Ravindra Jadeja’s approach with the bat during India’s second innings on Day 4 of the Edgbaston Test has raised eyebrows, especially after he was promoted ahead of Nitish Kumar Reddy. Sent in to consolidate India’s commanding lead, Jadeja struggled to get going, managing just one boundary in a 68-ball knock during the second session.
However, things took a surprising turn in the evening session, as Jadeja smashed a six off the second delivery he faced from Shoaib Bashir post-tea. The sudden shift from caution to aggression left many wondering why he hadn’t played with more intent earlier.
Commentators Nasser Hussain and Mike Atherton, both former England captains, were clearly puzzled by the shift. Atherton remarked: “He should have been doing that before tea.”
Hussain was more critical of the timing and mindset: “Very odd. Why? Why does it take a tea break for someone to say, right, let’s get on with it? Every moment in a Test match, whether it be the moment after tea or the moment before tea is important. If they have England nine down and go to the Lords 1-0 down, they will look at that half hour before tea and say, why does it need the coach to tell us to get on with it?”
India eventually set a daunting target of 608 for England. In response, the English side got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 72 runs by stumps on Day 4. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep continued their excellent form from the first innings, rattling England’s top order with tight and aggressive spells late in the day.
For the latest sports news follow- Revsportz