India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja delivered yet another solid performance with the bat on Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, but jokingly shut down any talks of captaincy aspirations during the post-match media interaction.
Despite playing second fiddle to skipper Shubman Gill, who stole the spotlight with a marathon 269-run knock, Jadeja stood tall with a gritty 89 off 137 balls, ensuring India maintained their dominance with the bat.
When asked if captaincy was ever on his radar, given his seniority and composure, Jadeja laughed it off, saying:
“No, that time is gone now.”
Jadeja-Gill Partnership Sets the Tone
The seasoned all-rounder was instrumental in India’s commanding 587-run total, forging a 203-run stand with captain Gill. His innings came to an end while attempting a pull shot off Josh Tongue’s sharp bouncer, which resulted in a glove-through to Jamie Smith behind the stumps.
Following Jadeja’s dismissal, Gill added another 144 runs with Washington Sundar (42 off 103) to keep England’s bowlers under the pump. Sundar was eventually dismissed by Joe Root, and Gill’s valiant knock concluded at 269, the highest score by an Indian in England.
England Falter Under Pressure
England’s reply got off to a horror start as Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj ran riot with the new ball, reducing the hosts to 25/3 by removing Ben Duckett (0), Ollie Pope (0), and Zak Crawley (19) early.
Joe Root (18)* and Harry Brook (30)* mounted a recovery with a steady unbeaten 52-run partnership, guiding England to 77/3 at stumps.
Jadeja on India’s Game Plan for Day 3
Speaking about the strategy moving forward, Jadeja emphasized the importance of early breakthroughs.
“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.”
With India clearly on the front foot and England facing a mountain to climb, Day 3 promises to be pivotal in determining the direction of the match.