“England is not challenging to overcome; it’s simply distinct.” – Jadeja
With the five-match Test series now tied at one-all, and a fresh resumption after a prolonged hiatus, Ravindra Jadeja, the Indian all-rounder, is upbeat about India’s chances against England as they prepare for the remainder of the series, commencing with the third Test on Thursday (February 15).
Jadeja is of the opinion that while England presents a different challenge with their aggressive style of play, it’s not necessarily insurmountable.
“I wouldn’t categorize them as formidable opponents per se; rather, their aggressive approach adds an intriguing dimension,” Jadeja remarked a day before the game.
“Over the years, visiting teams have found it arduous to adjust to Indian conditions and emerge victorious.
Even in the first Test we lost, we held a significant lead of 190 runs before faltering.
It’s not about England being invincible; they simply play a brand of cricket that necessitates adaptation.
Once we decipher their style and approach, we can tailor our strategies accordingly.”
Reflecting on his previous encounter where Ollie Pope’s aggressive batting shifted the game’s momentum, Jadeja stressed that he won’t stray from his bowling plans to counter England’s attacking intent.
“When confronted with an opponent’s unconventional play, the temptation to revise bowling strategies arises.
However, as a bowler, I prefer adhering to fundamentals rather than being swayed by their approach.
Let them play their game; we’ll adhere to our tried-and-tested plans.”
As England introduces two seamers into the XI for the first time in the series, Jadeja offered insights on the pitch conditions at his home ground, highlighting the unpredictability of Rajkot’s wicket.
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