JOIN US Australian batsmen struggled to negotiate the Indian spinners in both the innings of the first Test at the MA Chidambaram stadium, and Ravindra Jadeja, who took two wickets on Monday, attributed the visitors’ struggle against spin to their ego.
“Australians have this ego. They try to play more positive. If they play three-four overs maiden, they show their aggression, so that they don’t come under pressure,” Jadeja told reporters here at the end of the fourth day’s play.
The left-arm spinner said the Indians have bowled well in the match throughout. “This wicket has been turning through the match, and we’ve bowled well. Ashwin has bowled well, Bhajju pa has bowled well. Now, we’ve got to take their last wicket quickly and the runs that are left to score, 50-55 or whatever, get them,” he added.
Jadeja also defended the preparation of turners, such as the one at the Chepauk, rating it as a good Test match pitch. “In Indian conditions, you’ll get such wickets. In Test cricket, you win only if you get 20 wickets.
“And here the centre of the wicket is not damaged, so it’s good for fast bowlers as well. Whatever wear and tear has happened, it’s happened due to the footmarks of the bowlers, and it’s at both ends of the wicket. I think it’s a good wicket for Test cricket.”
Variations
Coming back to his own performance, Jadeja said he has been concentrating on developing a few variations. “As I play more matches, I’ll learn more. I am discussing with my team-mates, coaches, to add variations to my game.”
Jadeja said he was aware of the need improve as a player to stitch together a long career at top-flight cricket.
“While bowling, I was sometimes going towards the leg stump, especially to the right-handers. I should not have bowled towards leg. I was trying to bowl off and middle to right-handers in the second innings, then get the turn from the wicket.
“And in the batting department, I played 45 balls, and I was set. I’d have got some more. But I was a bit nervous, because I was not getting the runs, and at that time, I left that ball and it hit the stumps. I should have played more carefully. So, there’s the need for all-round improvement.”