On Kohli's day of double delight, Yadav creates his own records

On Kohli's day of double delight, Yadav creates his own records

New Delhi: Over the years Team India has always been blessed with performers who quietly go about their job, happily staying away from the centre stage. India’s new find Jayant Yadav has shown signs of that trait as early as in his third Test match.

In a day where India skipper and arguably the best batsman of the team, Virat Kohli set up never seen before feats in Indian cricket, there was another man at the non-striker’s end who quietly went about his business and helped India take a decisive 231 run lead. 

 "I have always been a handy batsman, ever since started playing in junior cricket. But as I came up the ranks, I always wanted to build this side of my game and my Ranji Trophy team really helped me do it," said a visibly happy Jayant Yadav.

For a better part of the first session of Day 4, Jayant Yadav outscored Virat Kohli. The thunderous cover drives coming out of Yadav’s bat gave a feeling of Virat Kohli at either side of the wicket. 

A century with many firsts

Resuming the day at 30, Yadav made his intentions clear when he welcomed Rashid with two boundaries. His confidence grew rapidly as he seamlessly drove Woakes past the cover boundary a number of times. While the entire spotlight was on Virat Kohli when he reached his double hundred, Yadav was on the threshold of nervous nineties without showing any signs of nerves. On 99, Yadav steered one past gully and there it was, he scored his maiden Test hundred and became first Indian batsman to reach the three figures at No. 9. 

Yadav believes the position is lucky for him. "I scored my double hundred at No. 9, I scored my first Test hundred at No. 9, I am happy at No. 9," said the rookie all-rounder, referring to his double century against Karnataka at Hubballi three seasons ago.

A record breaking partnership

The 241 run stand between Virat Kohli and Jayant Yadav was the highest ever 8th wicket partnership for India, bettering the 161 run feat of Mohammad Azharuddin and Anil Kumble against South Africa. The partnership not only stalled the collapse after Vijay’s dismissal but it sucked the wind out of the England attack by adding 127 runs in the morning session.  

"Between overs, we just spoke about what was happening. Is he trying to do something different or is he trying to do the same thing that he did in the last over? We had the odd laugh as well," he explained when queried what were they talking about after every over during their brilliant stand.

Done with the bat, now hand him the ball

If Jayant Yadav’s century was a perfect foil to Virat Kohli’s double ton then his off-spin was an ideal cover for Jadeja and Ashwin. When Joe Root looked well set for another century, rescuing England from 49/3, Jayant Yadav produced a beauty that turned square beating Root’s inside edge to strike him in front.  India chocked England further and nipped out six wickets at close of play, leaving them 49 runs behind.