Nagpur pitch will not be a rank turner, it’s important to play spin nicely in India: Ravindra Jadeja

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja mentioned that the Nagpur pitch is “not a rank turner” as claimed by some. Jadeja returned with a five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the primary Test towards Australia.

New Delhi ,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2023 20:11 IST

Ravindra Jadeja returned with a five-wicket haul. (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk:

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja dismissed the claims across the Nagpur pitch on Day 1 of the primary Test towards Australia, saying it was “not a rank turner”.

Jadeja, who made a comeback after almost 5 months, returned with a five-wicket haul on the primary day as India bundled out Australia for simply 177. In reply, India captain Rohit Sharma hit a fifty because the hosts trailed Australia by 100 runs at stumps.

“No, it (the pitch) is not a rank turner,” Jadeja mentioned within the press convention. “It is slow and there is less bounce compared to other wickets. I felt defending was not very difficult today, but as the game progresses, it (defending) will become increasingly difficult. But that is the nature of Test cricket.”

Jadeja mentioned that he tried to play thoughts video games with Australian batters through the use of the crease to create doubt within the minds of the guests.

“I used the crease as not every delivery was turning. And, as I said, the bounce was low, so trying (I tried) to create doubts in the minds of the batters,” mentioned Jadeja, who additionally mentioned that one must be nicely ready towards spin in India.

“When you travel to India, you have to play spin very well. That should be your first priority. Whenever other teams travel to India, they always prepare for spin. Sometimes you score against spin, sometimes you get out. It is part of the game. We were looking to get them out as early as possible,” added the all-rounder.

Jadeja additionally heaped reward on the Australian spinners for bowling nicely, however cautioned them that they should maintain bowling in the correct areas to realize success within the Indian situations.

“Their spinners also bowled well. It is just a matter of time. It is not like you just bowl and get wickets in every over. You have to keep bowling and keep patience. You have to keep changing, over the wicket, around the wicket. When a partnership is going on, you have to keep changing. You have to keep bowling in good areas,” mentioned Jadeja.

Published On:

Feb 9, 2023