After two days of no play due to inclement weather and wet conditions, cricket action finally resumed on Day 4 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Green Park, Kanpur. The bright and sunny weather was a welcome change for players and fans alike, lifting spirits and allowing everyone to enjoy the game they love.
Ravindra Jadeja attains 300 Test wickets tally
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Ravindra Jadeja took the last wicket of Bangladesh’s first innings, marking his impressive 300th wicket in Test cricket. This achievement makes Jadeja the first Indian left-arm spinner and the third left-arm spinner globally to reach this milestone, a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work.
Jadeja claims a historic milestone
Jadeja not only reached the 300-wicket milestone in his 74th Test but also became the second-fastest all-rounder to achieve the double of over 3,000 runs and 300 wickets. He joins an elite group of only 12 all-rounders who have accomplished this feat in the history of the game.
The record for the fastest to this milestone is held by England’s Ian Botham, who achieved it in just 72 Tests, demonstrating the rarity and significance of such an accomplishment. Following Jadeja in this elite category are cricketing legends like Imran Khan (75 Tests) and Kapil Dev (83 Tests), highlighting the company he now keeps in cricket history.
Second quickest Indian bowler to 300 scalps
In terms of deliveries bowled, Jadeja became the second quickest Indian bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, accomplishing this in just 17,428 balls. This remarkable statistic showcases his ability to take wickets at a rapid pace, further solidifying his place as one of the premier bowlers in contemporary cricket. He trails only Ravichandran Ashwin, who reached the mark in 15,636 deliveries, underlining the competitive nature of their achievements. This milestone not only reflects Jadeja’s skill but also his fitness and commitment to maintaining a high level of performance over a sustained period.
Also WATCH: Rohit Sharma plucks a one-handed screamer to dismiss Litton Das on Day 4 of Kanpur Test | IND vs BAN
A milestone moment
Jadeja’s 300th wicket was that of Bangladesh tailender Khaled Ahmed, whom he dismissed by taking a return catch, concluding Bangladesh’s innings at 233. The significance of this moment was not lost on Jadeja or his teammates, who celebrated his achievement with enthusiasm. With this milestone, Jadeja becomes the seventh Indian bowler to claim 300 Test wickets, joining the ranks of legends such as Anil Kumble (619 wickets) and Ashwin (524 wickets).
Into the elite club of left-arm spinners
Jadeja’s achievement also placed him among a select group of left-arm spinners with over 300 Test wickets, including Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath (433 wickets) and New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori (362 wickets). The rarity of reaching this milestone as a left-arm spinner makes Jadeja’s accomplishment even more impressive, as he navigates the challenges that come with this bowling style.
Contributions with the bat
In addition to his bowling feats, Jadeja has also made substantial contributions with the bat, amassing 3,122 runs in 106 Test innings, boasting an average of 36.72. This record includes four centuries and 21 half-centuries, showcasing his capability as a reliable lower-order batter. Jadeja’s ability to perform in crucial moments with the bat adds depth to the Indian lineup, making him an invaluable all-rounder.
Also WATCH: IND vs BAN: Virat Kohli celebrates as Jasprit Bumrah cleans up Mushfiqur Rahim on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test