New Zealand are yet to score a run, and the Chinnaswamy pitch continues to be a difficult one, but Ajay Jadeja doesn’t think India can defend 107. Despite chases being extremely tough throughout the history of Test cricket, the number 107 actually is the third-lowest total any team has defended. Fascinatingly, it was India who did so 20 years ago against Australia on a spinning Wankhede pitch.
Lack of 3rd seamer to doom India
However, the former skipper doesn’t think there is a chance of history repeating itself. Jadeja’s reasoning is simple. Even if there is assistance for the pacer early on Day 5 of the India vs New Zealand 1st Test, at best Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj would be able to take a couple of wickets. Since, unlike the Kiwis, India doesn’t have a third pacer, it’ll be difficult for them to continue to pick wickets.
“If it happens at 107, it’s great. However, if I see it realistically, I don’t see any hope because it will be moist and you will start with seam in the morning. Even if you get one or two out, you don’t have a third seamer if there is help for seam,” Ajay Jadeja said on JioCinema.
Lowest totals defended in Test cricket
| Target Defended | Batting Team | Bowling Team | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | England | Australia | The Oval | 1882 |
| 99 | Zimbabwe | West Indies | Port of Spain | 2000 |
| 107 | Australia | India | Wankhede | 2004 |
| 111 | Australia | England | Sydney | 1887 |
| 111 | Australia | England | The Oval | 1896 |
