India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja reportedly violated the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) standard operating procedure (SoP) during the second Test against England in Birmingham but is unlikely to face any disciplinary action.
As per the BCCI’s new rules, which came into effect after the Australia tour, players need to travel together on the team bus and should not reach the ground individually. However, Jadeja decided to come in early on the second morning, not for personal reasons but to get some extra time for batting practice.
Explaining the decision, Jadeja stated that, “Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new. Luckily, I could bat till lunch, and then Washy (Washington Sundar) also batted well with Shubhman,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Key partnership helps India from early collapse
Jadeja restarted his innings on 41 with India in a tricky position at 211 for 5. He, along with Shubhman Gill, contributed a crucial 203-run stand, helping India pass the 500-run mark. Though he missed scoring a century as he was out at 89. But Jadeja’s score gave the team much-needed balance after the earlier collapses in the series.
Stokes objected, Jadeja responds
“When you contribute with the bat for the team, it feels great,” he stated. “From 210 for 5, to put together a big partnership…it gives you confidence as a cricketer and a batter that in the coming matches also you can contribute.”
The match also saw a moment of dispute when Jadeja’s front -foot- follow sparked complaints from England captain Ben Stokes, who blamed him for running on the pitch. Jadeja dismissed any deliberate intention in doing so, saying, ‘’It might have happened once or twice by mistake, but I didn’t mean to.’’
Looking ahead, Jadeja mentioned that bowling would demand patience, energy, and discipline on a ground where it is providing the slightest assistance.