In what is a big boost to Team India, their star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been declared fit for the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which will kick off on February 9 in Nagpur.
Jadeja tested his match fitness with a successful comeback in the Ranji Trophy. Turning up for Saurashtra in their final group game against Tamil Nadu last week in Chennai, Jadeja bowled 41.1 overs in the match and bagged a seven-wicket haul in the second innings, along with scores of 15 and 25.
Ravindra Jadeja is set to wreak havoc over the Australian batters
This Ranji game was crucial for Jadeja not only to prove his fitness but also to get some game-time ahead of the important 4 Test series against Pat Cummins’ team. The southpaw hadn’t played any cricket since undergoing surgery in his right knee in September.
After the game, he returned to the NCA in Bangalore for the final round of fitness tests and passed it, after which the NCA cleared him to feature in the Nagpur Test. The Indian players are currently having a camp in Nagpur while the Aussies have started practicing in Bangalore.
During the Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE, Jadeja felt discomfort in his right knee, which has been troubling him for the past few years. He finally decided to have surgery, consequently missing the T20 World Cup in Australia and the Test series in Bangladesh, and a host of other white-ball matches.
Ravindra Jadeja’s return will further strengthen India’s bowling with an experienced campaigner who has been terrific in home conditions both with bat and ball.
In India, Jadeja has taken 172 wickets in 36 Tests at an average of only 20, forming one of the finest-ever spin duo with R Ashwin.
With the bat, the left-hander averages 41 in home Tests. He’s been superb against the Aussies in the 8 Tests in India on the 2013 and 2017 tours, picking up 49 wickets at 18.
Jadeja’s return though will make matters a bit complicated for the team management, who will have to pick the third spinner between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, both in good form and both posing serious challenge to the Aussies in home conditions.
