Ravindra Jadeja claimed 5 for 73 against New Zealand at Kanpur on Saturday, to bring India back into the match from where they progressed to a position of ascendancy. Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 4 for 93 in the same innings against New Zealand. As a pair, Jadeja and Ashwin have formed a formidable partnership for India, especially at home. Here’s a look at some of their memorable bowling efforts at home over the last few years.
Mohali 2015: Jadeja picked up 5 for 21 and 3 for 55 in the Mohali Test against South Africa at Mohali in November 2015 as India won the match by 108 runs. Jadeja was the star of the show in the fourth innings as India bowled out the Proteas for 109 as they chased a gettable 218. Jadeja bowled Hashim Amla for a duck, and ran through the lower order as well. He also contributed a crisp 38 with the bat in the first innings.
In the same match, Ashwin also finished with eight wickets. He claimed a five-for in the first innings, his 5 for 51 in the first innings was instrumental in keeping South Africa down to 184. India themselves had fallen for 201 in their first innings, so Ashwin’s spell was crucial. He dismissed the openers Dean Elgar, Stiaan van Zyl and Amla as well to keep India alive in the match.
Delhi 2015: Ajinkya Rahane stood out with the bat, scoring 127 and 100 in the two innings. Again, Ashwin and Jadeja played their part in the victory. Jadeja claimed five wickets in the first innings as South Africa were rolled over for 121. The left-arm spinner dismissed Temba Bavuma, Amla, de Villiers and du Plessis in the first innings. Ashwin chipped in with a couple of wickets at the tail.
South Africa were set a massive 481 for victory in the fourth innings. However, the Indian spinners rolled them over for 143, despite batting out for as many overs. Ashwin this time starred with 5 for 61. He dismissed both de Villiers and du Plessis apart from the openers. Jadeja finished with 2 for 26 from 46 overs. He again picked up the big wicket of Amla, who occupied the crease for 289 minutes.
Delhi 2013: India beat Australia by six wickets in the match at Kotla in March 2013. Ashwin’s 5 for 57 kept Australia down to 262 in the first innings. The offie got the big wicket of Steven Smith for 46 and Ed Cowman for 38 as Australia were bowled out for 262. Jadeja, on the other hand, claimed the wicket of Watson and Maxwell. In the second innings, Australia folded up for 164. This time, Jadeja picked up 5 for 58. His scalps included some big ones – Warner, Maxwell and Smith. Ashwin, this time played the support role with a couple of scalps. India went on to win the match by six wickets.
--By A Cricket Analyst
