Sizzling sword celebration of Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t just a flamboyant expression of joy; it was a foreboding omen for England in Hyderabad. The Indian all-rounder carved out a masterful 87 off 180 balls, propelling India to a formidable 190-run lead and prompting former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar to make a bold claim: “Jadeja has ensured an innings defeat for England.”
Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t the only one feasting on English bowling. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal both surpassed 50 before falling short of tons, but the foundation was laid. Ravindra Jadeja, partnered by the resolute Srikar Bharat (41*), steered India past 400, leaving England staring down the barrel of an innings defeat.
Manjrekar’s assertion stemmed not just from Jadeja’s brilliance but also from England’s strategic blunders. Ben Stokes’ decision to shelve Joe Root’s spin wizardry on Day 1 backfired spectacularly. Introduced on Day 2, Root immediately dismissed Jaiswal, showcasing his effectiveness while exposing England’s initial oversight.
Ravindra Jadeja and other factors
Compounding England’s woes was their puzzling team selection. Manjrekar questioned the absence of pace specialist James Anderson, suggesting his inclusion could have tilted the scales. Instead, England fielded an extra spinner, a gamble that seems to be unraveling spectacularly.
With three days left, England face a monumental task. Chasing down such a mammoth total on a turning Hyderabad track seems an improbable feat. Ravindra Jadeja has not only carved out his 20th Test half-century, it has carved out a path to potential victory for India, leaving England in a desolate spin wilderness.
Manjrekar’s bold prediction hangs heavy in the air. Can England defy the odds and script a remarkable comeback, or will Ravindra Jadeja masterclass pave the way for an emphatic Indian win? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for Hyderabad promises to be a nerve-wracking thriller.
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