On- top Jaddu relishes field day
Sydney, Jan. 8: An exceptional all- rounder, India’s Ravindra Jadeja was pretty chuffed about running Steve Smith out with a direct hit in the ongoing third Test against Australia and called it his “best ever” fielding effort which he can watch any number of times.
Smith, who was batting on 130 and was in a mood to slog every ball in company of No. 11 batsman Josh Hazlewood, couldn’t beat a direct throw from Jadeja, who sprinted from his deep square leg position and effected a direct hit with throw reminiscent of the great Kapil Dev during his heydays.
Asked what will he like to watch, the four wickets he got or the run- out, the senior all- rounder replied: “I will rewind and play this run- out as this is my best effort. A direct hit from outside the 30- yard circle and that’s like a moment that gives you that satisfaction.”
“Three or four wicket hauls are fine but this run- out will stay with me,” said the Saurashtra all- rounder.
Jadeja has been a live wire on the field during this tour with some fantastic catches like the one he took running backwards at the MCG to dismiss Matthew Wade or this run- out at a crucial juncture when Smith could have added an extra 25 to 30 runs.
Jadeja also said that the plan was to vary pace of his deliveries and create angles since there was not much turn on offer.
Jadeja returned with figures of four for 62 in 18 overs besides getting rid of centurion Steve Smith with a brilliant direct hit.
“The idea was to create pressure as this wasn’t a wicket where you would get chance in every over. You can’t bowl all deliveries at same pace on this wicket as there was no turn on offer. You had to mix and match and create angles,” said Jadeja.
For India’s top multiskilled cricketer, the focus has also been on producing all- round performances.
“Not just last 12- 18 months, from the time I started playing, that’s what has been my role. Whenever I am playing, I try to contribute in both departments of the game.
“And whenever I have been given opportunities, more often than not, I have delivered,” Jadeja further added.