Test cricket was at its best during the match between Australia and India. Both the teams had their fair share of moments in the SCG Test. Aussies were in a firm position after they declared the innings at 312 for the loss of 6 wickets. The hosts extended a healthy lead of 406.
The visitors were tasked to chase a huge total with plenty of overs and time left. However, the hosts have deemed the favorites to win the match. History tells that any team that plays defensive cricket for a long time, the team is certain to lose.
India got a good start in the form of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as the opening pair once again added a good partnership. The duo added 71 runs before Gill was dismissed on 31. Rohit also didn’t last long as he got out on 52. India ended Day 4 with 98/2 and they resumed play on judgment day.
While Nathan Lyon got rid of stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane early on, Team India was in choppy waters. However, Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara took the game away from the hosts by adding a 148-run stand for the fourth wicket.
While things were moving well for the visitors, Pant played a cheap shot and ended up getting out off Lyon’s bowling. Pujara also made his way back to the dressing room after scoring 77. The likes of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin stood there at the crease as long as possible.
Saini peels a banana for Jadeja
While Ashwin and Vihari were trying their best to survive the Aussie bowling attack, the on-air commentators were talking about Ravindra Jadeja who was doubtful to bat in the second innings.
Earlier, in the first innings, Jadeja received a blow to his left thumb after Mitchell Starc’s deadly bouncer struck him hard. The all-rounder was taken for scans and did not return to bowl in the second innings.
However, he made his presence count on the pitch by taking 4 wickets in the first innings. After India lost 5 wickets in the second innings, Jadeja looked very much prepared to play after taking injections.
At that time, when Jadeja was given a banana, he handed it over to pacer Navdeep Saini. The fast bowler was sitting next to the all-rounder did a bit of teamwork by peeling the banana for Jadeja.
The video of the same spread like wildfire on social media. Saini drew plaudits for his heartwarming gesture. Thankfully, India didn’t require Jadeja’s help with the bat as the likes of Vihari and Ashwin successfully managed to survive the deadly bowling attack as the match ended in a draw.
Watch the video below:
Jadeja ruled out of the Border Gavaskar Trophy series
Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the fourth Test match against Australia which will be played in Brisbane at The Gabba on January 15. The all-rounder ruled out of the next match with a fractured left thumb.
“The all-rounder will now consult a hand specialist in Sydney before he returns to India. He will then head to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for further management of his injury,” the BCCI statement read.
