Following a demoralizing innings defeat in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, the Indian team received a glimmer of hope with the potential return of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for the upcoming second and final match in Cape Town.
Jadeja had to sit out the first Test due to an upper back spasm that arose on the morning of the first day. Nevertheless, there are positive signs as Jadeja actively participated in the warm-up session on the third morning at SuperSport Park, displaying no signs of discomfort as he engaged in multiple short strides.
During the Lunch break on day 3 of the first Test, Jadeja not only performed various fitness drills but also bowled for a duration in the nets. Taking the ball in his hand, alongside the reserve pace bowler, Mukesh Kumar, who also missed out on selection in the first Test, Jadeja bowled on a practice track under the supervision of Team India’s strength and conditioning coach Rajnikant.
Jadeja’s absence was felt in the opening Test. While Ravichandran Ashwin managed to take 1 wicket for 40 runs in 19 overs, he failed to pose a significant threat to the South African batters. Meanwhile, Jadeja’s batting alone could get him into the India Test side.
With four days remaining before the start of the second Test, the likelihood of Jadeja making a return for the final match of the series, scheduled to begin on January 3 in Newlands, seems promising.
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