Ravindra Jadeja hit his 20th Test fifty Friday on India's Republic Day as the hosts look to take a decisive first innings lead against England in the first Test match. (Scorecard | Streaming)
The 35-year-old reached half-century with a three in the 83rd over, then charmed the capacity Hyderabad crowd with his sword celebration.
India, resuming from their overnight score of 119/1, reached 356 at the fall of the sixth wicket, that of Srikar Bharat 41(81), for a lead of 110 runs. The all-rounder was involved in a 68-run stand in 81 balls with wicket-keeper Bharat. Jadeja was joined by Ravichandran Ashwin, his longtime spin bowling partner.
But Ashwin soon departed in the 91st over after a horrible mix-up, with both him and Jadeja running to the non-striker's end and England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes whipping the bails off at the other end. Axar Patel arrived at the crease at the fall of the seventh wicket and was giving company to Jadeja, who was going strong at an unbeaten 62 at the time of writing.
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On Day 1 of the India vs England first Test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Jadeja and Ashwin went past the Anil Kumble-Harbhajan Singh pair to become the most successful bowling pair for India in the game's traditional format with 502 wickets, in the 50th match. Kumble and Harbhajan had taken a combined 501 wickets in 54 matches.
After the day's play, the left-arm spinner backed Ashwin to reach his 500 wickets during the match. "It will be a big achievement if Ashwin completes 500 Test wickets and I hope he gets it in this match," Jadeja said. "I am left with 25 wickets for 300 and it might take the whole series, but I wish Ashwin completes his 500 in this game itself and continues taking wickets for India."
