Team India premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja admitted that his time to lead the national side has gone. The 36-year-old put up a stunning display with the willow on Day 2 of the second Test match against England.
During India`s first innings, Jadeja played a knock of 89 runs off 137 deliveries, which included 10 boundaries and a maximum.
When asked if he ever thought of leading Team India, the left-hander, with a smile on his face, said, “No, that time is gone now”.
The ongoing Test series also marked Ravindra Jadeja`s third tour to England in a career that has spanned over 15 years.
On Day 2 of the match, Jadeja forged a 203-run partnership with Shubman Gill to clear India`s way towards a daunting total. His endeavours on the crease ended on a bitter note after he attempted to pull the ball while facing a rip-roaring short-length delivery from Josh Tongue. With extra pace and bounce, Jadeja hurried into his shot and gloved it to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
After Jadeja`s departure, Gill forged a sizzling 144-run partnership with Washington Sundar to torment England`s bowling attack, which felt jolts of tiredness creeping into them. Joe Root cleaned up Sundar on 42(103), while Gill, who fuelled India`s innings, saw his marathon knock conclude on 269 as India posted a daunting 587-run total on the board.
When asked about the plan, entering day three, he said, “We are not thinking too far ahead. We will have to take 2-3 wickets before lunch tomorrow. If we do that, then we will definitely be ahead in the game”.
The 36-year-old also stated that Team India is not going to take the game lightly and is hopeful of yielding positive results for the side.
“Results can be anything. There have been big partnerships in cricket in the past. We will not take the game too lightly. We were playing with energy today. Hopefully, we will get a good result in India`s favour,” he concluded.
In England`s first innings, they lost the early wicket of opening batsman Ben Duckett on duck off five balls. Later, Ollie Pope too departed on a duck on the very first ball.
Despite losing early wickets, Zak Crawley smashed 19 runs off 30 deliveries, including three boundaries. Joe Root and Harry Brook will resume day three on the scores of 18 and 30 runs, respectively.
(With ANI Inputs)
