IND vs ENG: Watch - Ravindra Jadeja's remarks on Ravi Ashwin's 500 test wickets milestone leaves everyone in splits

Ravindra Jadeja’s comments during the press conference in Rajkot left everyone in splits.

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has expressed his thoughts on teammate Ravichandran Ashwin, who is expected to reach the milestone of 500 test wickets in the third test match against England. Jadeja said that he is very happy for him.

The third test between India and England will take place from Thursday, February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

Currently, the five-match test series is leveled 1-1. However, Ashwin is all set to become the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble and the ninth overall bowler to reach the milestone of 500 test wickets.

The veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is currently at 499 test wickets in 97 matches at an average of 23.92. He just needs one wicket to reach the landmark of 500 test scalps. In the ongoing five-match series against Ben Stokes-led England, Ashwin has managed to pick up nine wickets in two matches so far.

During the pre-match press conference, Ravindra Jadeja said “He will take it here (Ashwin taking 500 test scalps), nothing to worry about. I am very happy for him, been playing with him for years. Thought he would get it in the first test match, it is okay. It is destiny that he will get it here in my hometown.”

“Trying to keep things simple” – Ravindra Jadeja on tackling England’s Bazball approach.

The Indian all-rounder also spoke about tackling England’s Bazball approach. Jadeja added that he is trying to keep things simple. “You can start thinking of where should I bowl. They are sweeping and all, but in my opinion, it is to keep it simple, not change.”

The left-handed batter Ravindra Jadeja suffered a hamstring injury during the Hyderabad test and missed the Vizag game. On asking about his workload, Jadeja replied “Body will return to rhythm after playing for one to two days (after injury). A lot of cricket is being played these days. I cannot hide in the field. I am always in a hot spot. The team also expects that from me. I am happy to do that. Yes, I have to be careful but that cannot be managed.”

The five-match test series is currently leveled 1-1. After a 28-run loss in the first test in Hyderabad, India bounced back and won the second test in Visakhapatnam by 106 runs. However, Ben Stokes-led side have already announced their playing XI for the third test with right-arm quick pacer Mark Wood returning into the side replacing off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.

England playing XI for 3rd test against India:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (Wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson.

India’s updated squad for the third test:

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Devdutt Padikkal.

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