Ravindra Jadeja, the versatile Indian all-rounder, showcased his prowess with the bat by slamming his fourth Test century, marking his second consecutive ton in the ongoing series against England, his stellar innings unfolded at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, his home ground, making the achievement even more special.
Returning to the XI after missing the second Test in Visakhapatnam due to a hamstring injury, Jadeja joined forces with captain Rohit Sharma, forming a crucial 204-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This significant stand came at a time when England had reduced India to a precarious 33 for three.
Negotiating probing spells from England’s seamers James Anderson and Mark Wood, Jadeja showcased his resilience and skill. He reached his half-century off 97 deliveries, complementing Rohit Sharma’s 11th Test century. Rohit eventually departed for 131, and Jadeja took charge, forming a crucial partnership with debutant Sarfaraz Khan.
Ind vs Eng, 3rd Test: Ravindra Jadeja slams 4th Test century on home ground Rajkot
While briefly stranded in the nineties, Jadeja reached his century off 198 deliveries, featuring seven fours and two sixes. This innings not only marked his fourth Test century but also a historic milestone of completing 3000 runs in Test cricket. Jadeja joined the elite club of Indian cricketers, including Kapil Dev and R Ashwin, who achieved the double feat of 3000 runs and 250 wickets in Test cricket.
This century was particularly significant for Jadeja as it was his first Test ton since July 2022 when he scored 104 against the same opposition in Birmingham. His maiden Test century had come in his previous Test innings in Rajkot in 2018 against the West Indies, where he struck 104 off 194 deliveries.
Jadeja’s affinity for his home ground was evident in his impressive record, having accumulated more than 1500 First-Class runs at the Niranjan Shah Stadium with a remarkable average exceeding 100. His highest First-Class score of 331 was recorded at this venue during the 2012-13 season of the Ranji Trophy for Saurashtra. In 2016, in his first Test appearance at the Rajkot venue, Jadeja registered an unbeaten 32 in the second innings, securing a draw for India against England.
Jadeja’s highest Test score, an unbeaten 175, was achieved against Sri Lanka in Mohali in early 2022. During his recent innings, he also crossed the milestone of 7000 runs in First-Class cricket and is on the brink of completing 500 wickets in the format.
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