In the ODI World Cup 2023 match in Chennai, Steve Smith‘s wicket, in the opinion of Ravindra Jadeja, was the turning point against Australia. India bowled first after losing the toss and limiting Pat Cummins and company to a disappointing 199 runs.
India’s first wicket came from Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed opener Mitchell Marsh for a six-ball duck. Kuldeep Yadav then returned a well-positioned David Warner for 41. In the 28th over of the match, Smith (46) was out when Australia were 110/2 and on the verge of reaching a half-century. In the second ball of the 30th over, the 34-year-old took the crucial wicket of Labuschagne (27), and in the same over, he also caught Alex Carey LBW for a duck.
Jadeja said Smith’s wicket was the turning point
After the game, Jadeja said in a press conference that he was familiar with Chennai’s weather because he had been performing there for more than a decade. Additionally, the 34-year-old expressed his gratitude for all of his game-related contributions.
“I think that was the turning moment, you know, when you get a wicket like Steve Smith. From there onwards it was not easy to just come in and rotate the strike for the new batter. So I would say that wicket was the turning point… And yeah, it helped me, because I knew the conditions in Chennai. I’ve been playing here for like 10-11 years, so I know the conditions on this ground. I enjoyed it and whatever I contribute to the team I always feel happy,” Jadeja said.
Jadeja remarked that he felt that the pitch was a Test match bowling wicket when discussing his strategies during the game. Additionally, he said that simply trying to bowl stump-to-stump enabled him to take wickets.
“When I started the first over, the ball was stopping after falling a little slow. I thought it was the afternoon, it was hot and the wicket was dry. thought a stump-line would be better. From here some balls would turn, some would go straight so it won’t be easy for the batsman to line up,” jadeja said
“It was my intention to bowl towards the stumps, and fortunately the ball turned a little more for Smith. So, my strategy was straightforward. This is a bowling wicket for a test match, I was thinking. I shouldn’t try too many different things because the wicket was the source of all the action. I was attempting to bowl it from stump to stump,” jadeja continued.
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