India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said that the Nagpur pitch is “not a rank turner” as claimed by some. Jadeja returned with a five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia.
New Delhi ,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2023 20:11 IST
Ravindra Jadeja returned with a five-wicket haul. (AP Photo)
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja dismissed the claims around the Nagpur pitch on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia, saying it was “not a rank turner”.
Jadeja, who made a comeback after nearly five months, returned with a five-wicket haul on the first day as India bundled out Australia for just 177. In reply, India captain Rohit Sharma hit a fifty as the hosts trailed Australia by 100 runs at stumps.
“No, it (the pitch) is not a rank turner,” Jadeja said in the press conference. “It is slow and there is less bounce compared to other wickets. I felt defending was not very difficult today, but as the game progresses, it (defending) will become increasingly difficult. But that is the nature of Test cricket.”
Jadeja said that he tried to play mind games with Australian batters by using the crease to create doubt in the minds of the visitors.
“I used the crease as not every delivery was turning. And, as I said, the bounce was low, so trying (I tried) to create doubts in the minds of the batters,” said Jadeja, who also said that one should be well prepared against spin in India.
“When you travel to India, you have to play spin very well. That should be your first priority. Whenever other teams travel to India, they always prepare for spin. Sometimes you score against spin, sometimes you get out. It is part of the game. We were looking to get them out as early as possible,” added the all-rounder.
Jadeja also heaped praise on the Australian spinners for bowling well, but cautioned them that they have to keep bowling in the right areas to achieve success in the Indian conditions.
“Their spinners also bowled well. It is just a matter of time. It is not like you just bowl and get wickets in every over. You have to keep bowling and keep patience. You have to keep changing, over the wicket, around the wicket. When a partnership is going on, you have to keep changing. You have to keep bowling in good areas,” said Jadeja.
