Jadeja Reveals Doubts Over Gill's Epic Birmingham Knock

Birmingham [UK], July 4 (ANI): Following his side's fine day at field on day two of the Test, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja hailed skipper Shubman Gill's historic double ton, saying that it did not look like he was going to get dismissed and the "extra responsibility" of captaincy does not show in his batting. Gill produced a masterclass for ages, with his 387-ball 269 propelling India to 587 before three early wickets left England tottering at 25/3, and the hosts ended their day at 77/3, with Joe Root (18*) and Harry Brook (30*) on the crease. After India was 211/5 on day one, Gill's 203-run stand with Jadeja (89 in 107 balls, with 10 fours and a six) and 144-run stand with Washington Sundar (42 in 103 balls, with three fours and a six). Speaking during the post-day presser, Jadeja said about Gill's knock, "Honestly, he looks very confident. He does not look like a captain in batting. He has been given an extra responsibility. He is carrying everything with him. I do not feel anything like that in his batting. Even today, unluckily, the ball went in his (fielder's) hand. But today, I did not feel that he would be out in this inning. He played very well. When we were batting together, we were talking about partnership. That we will have a long partnership, and we will keep talking to each other."

Speaking about his conversations with 13-year-old Kuldeep Yadav, Jadeja said that it is about the balance of the team and if Kuldeep gets a chance, he will prove to be a "wicket-taking option". "The team needs balance. You will get a chance. But when we go out, we do not talk about cricket. We talk about something else. You should not think about things that are not in the player's control. When you get a chance to perform, it will be for the team's benefit," he added. On the presence of spin on this wicket so far, Jadeja noted that the surface has not assisted them much, and the spinner's role is to keep the right field and bowl in the right areas to create problems for a batter. "Even now, I will say that there is nothing in front of me. I haven't seen a single ball spin in two days. As the game progresses, I hope that the spinner gets more help from such wickets. As the game progresses, the pressure of the scoreboard will also remain in the batsman's mind," he concluded. (ANI)

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Jadeja Humorously Declines Captaincy: “That Time Is Gone Now”

Birmingham [UK], July 4 (ANI): India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja jokingly admitted that the time for him to don the captaincy role is gone following his sizzling display with the bat on Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Despite playing second fiddle to India captain Shubman Gill, Jadeja dazzled with a valuable 89 from 137 deliveries, which allowed India to maintain its position in the driver's seat. Jadeja, who is on his third tour of England in a career that has spanned over 15 years, was quizzed about whether captaincy ambition crossed his mind during his stint. The experienced star with a smile on his face told reporters after the end of the second day's play, "No, that time is gone now."

Jadeja forged a 203-run partnership with Gill to clear India's way towards a daunting total. His endeavours on the crease ended on a bitter note after he attempted to pull the ball while facing a rip-roaring short-length delivery from Josh Tongue. With extra pace and bounce, Jadeja hurried into his shot and gloved it to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. After Jadeja's departure, Gill forged a sizzling 144-run partnership with Washington Sundar to torment England's bowling attack, which felt jolts of tiredness creeping into them. Joe Root cleaned up Sundar on 42(103), while Gill, who fuelled India's innings, saw his marathon knock conclude on 269 as India posted a daunting 587-run total on the board. In reply, England choked under pressure as Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj made early inroads. They bowled in tandem and removed Ben Duckett (0), Ollie Pope (0) and Zak Crawley (19) in a whirlwind. Joe Root and Harry Brook put in the hard yards and stitched a comeback by raising an unbeaten 52-run stand to propel England to 77/3 at the end of the day. Jadeja mapped India's plan of attack on day three and said, "We are not thinking too far ahead. We will have to take 2-3 wickets before lunch tomorrow. If we do that, then we will definitely be ahead in the game. Results can be anything. There have been big partnerships in cricket in the past. We will not take the game too lightly. We were playing with energy today. Hopefully, we will get a good result in India's favour." (ANI)

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