IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Ravindra Jadeja's No-Nonsense Verdict On Rajkot Pitch
India's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja believes that the pitch in Rajkot is likely to remain favorable for batting during the first two days of IND vs ENG 3rd Test.
India cricket team's star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja shared his thoughts on Rajkot pitch ahead of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test, set to commence on Thursday (February 15) at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. With IND vs ENG Test Series currently level at 1-1, both teams are eagerly aiming for victory in Rajkot Test to seize the advantage.
As per Jadeja, the pitch in Rajkot appears to be flat and hard, suggesting that it is likely to remain favorable for batting during the first two days of IND vs ENG 3rd Test.
"Here the wicket is flat and hard, but depends on what they have prepared. Sometimes you get 37 wickets in three matches (days), but this wicket looks good", Jadeja said in the press conference ahead of IND vs ENG 3rd Test, InsideSport reported.
"Here the wicket behaves differently in every game. Sometimes it stays flat, sometimes it turns, sometimes it plays well for two days and then turns. I believe it will play well first and then slowly it will break and the ball will turn", he added.
India's Test record, stats at Rajkot
India boasts a commendable record at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, securing victory (Vs West Indies) in one match and one match ending in a draw (Vs England in 2016).
Will protect my body...won't dive unless absolutely necessary, says Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, widely recognized as one of the premier all-rounders in Indian cricket, has recently returned from a hamstring injury and is presently concentrating on his fitness regime. His inclusion in the lineup for the 3rd Test between India and England was uncertain when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) initially announced India's squad for the Rajkot Test.
However, it appears that concerns surrounding his fitness have been dispelled, as the all-rounder seems to be match-fit and prepared to participate in the playing 11 against England.
"The idea is to give my 100 percent but protect my body. Try not to dive unless absolutely necessary", Jadeja said.