India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja didn’t hold back in his response to England spin coach Jeetan Patel, who boldly claimed that the hosts have a “100 per cent” chance of winning the second Test at Edgbaston.
After stumps on Day 2, with India dominating at 587 all out and England reeling at 77/3, Jadeja fired a sharp counter to Patel’s optimism.
“In a press conference, you can talk whatever you want, that is none of my business. You have to go out there, perform and take those 20 wickets. That is what matters,” said Jadeja, who scored a crucial 89 in India’s first innings.
The comments came after Patel insisted that England could still emerge victorious despite the heavy deficit.
“100 per cent. I’ve said this many a time in front of all of you, and you keep laughing at me. But we’ll go back in there, and we’ll have a quick chat about how the day’s gone, and what might look forward for tomorrow,” Patel said.
India in Command
India’s grip on the match was largely thanks to captain Shubman Gill’s monumental 269 off 387 balls, an innings that featured 30 boundaries and three sixes. His knock, combined with steady partnerships, pushed India to a towering first-innings total.
England’s reply stumbled early as Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj dismantled the top order, removing Duckett (0), Pope (0) and Crawley (19) cheaply. Root (18)* and Brook (30)* then steadied the innings with an unbeaten 52-run stand.
Patel’s Faith in England’s Stars
Despite the collapse, Patel backed his side, highlighting the presence of experienced campaigners:
“We’ve got two of the greatest batters in the world at the crease at the moment, and hopefully they’ll go back in tomorrow, and they really nestle in, and really question what could be a good day’s cricket for England,” he said.
“I just think we’ll find another way to do it… the beauty of the team is the belief they have.”
While Patel oozed confidence, Jadeja made it clear that “talk means little without performance.” With a deficit of 510 runs and India in total control, Day 3 will be a test of England’s resilience — and whether they can walk the talk.