Despite being India’s most successful bowler on Friday, Ravindra Jadeja picked his astonishing fielding effort to run out centurion Steve Smith as the most memorable moment from the second day’s play of the third Test.
Most favourite
“For me, the run-out will be the ‘rewind and play’ moment. It was one of my best run-outs. Having got the direct hit from outside the 30-yard circle, I would say it’s my most favourite, in fact the best,” Jadeja said.
“Picking up wickets — three or four — overseas is good, but the run-out was a moment that will stay with me forever,” he said.
Jadeja’s amazing effort in the field — running in from the deep square-leg boundary, picking the ball up with one hand and dismantling the woodwork with a rocket throw before Smith completed a second run — brought an end to Australia’s first innings.
Having bowled just three overs on the first day, Jadeja yet again displayed his utility as an all-rounder.
Asked whether he was increasingly looking at himself as a genuine all-rounder in Test cricket over the last year or year-and-a-half, Jadeja said: “It’s not about the last 12 or 18 months, but whenever I get an opportunity, I am keen on contributing with the bat and the ball. Ever since I started playing, that’s been my role.
Converting the chances
“Whenever presented with an opportunity, I have delivered as an all-rounder. When you score runs overseas, it gets highlighted more. I don’t think too much about the past but am focused on converting whatever opportunities I get.”
