Ravindra Jadeja Burns DRS After Plumb LBW Against Mitchell Starc in Decisive Test

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Ravindra Jadeja Wastes DRS on Plumb LBW Against Mitchell Starc

On Day 1 of the fifth Test at the SCG, Mitchell Starc’s fiery bowling claimed a new victim: India’s all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja’s dismissal came when India was already struggling. His decision to burn the team’s only DRS (Decision Review System) made things worse.

With half the Indian batsmen out, Jadeja came in to stabilize the innings with Sundar. The duo showed signs of rebuilding. But, Mitchell Starc delivered a moment that changed the game. It swung the momentum back to Australia.

Starc’s Thunderbolt Ends Jadeja’s Resistance

In the 63rd over, Starc bowled a full-length delivery aimed at Jadeja’s leg stump. The left-hander attempted a flick but failed to connect as his head fell over the ball. The ball struck his front pad, leading to an emphatic appeal from the Australian fielders.

The on-field umpire immediately raised his finger. But, Jadeja, perhaps desperate to stay at the crease, opted to challenge the decision using DRS. However, the replay confirmed what many had already suspected.

  • Snicko: No bat involvement; a flat line was evident.
  • Ball Tracking: All three reds—impact in line, pitching in line, and hitting the stumps.

The decision stood, and Jadeja had to walk back, leaving India in an even more precarious position. His misjudgment cost him his wicket and burned India’s sole DRS. The team now had no safety net for future appeals.

Mitchell Starc Finds His Rhythm

Starc had been off his game earlier. But, his delivery to Jadeja showed why he is a top bowler. The full-length thunderbolt was a textbook dismissal. It hit the stumps with pinpoint accuracy and moved just enough to outfox the batter.

With India’s lower-middle order exposed, Starc seized the chance. He regained his rhythm and took another wicket.

India’s Batting Woes Deepen

At Jadeja’s out, India was 149 for 8. Only Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna were left to bat. The visitors were reeling after failures from KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. Their last hope, Yashasvi Jaiswal, also failed. Jadeja’s wicket made things worse.

Key Highlights:

  • Jadeja’s DRS Error: Burned India’s only review despite the ball tracking showing a plumb LBW decision.
  • Starc’s Thunderbolt: A perfectly executed delivery targeting Jadeja’s leg stump sealed his fate.
  • India’s Position: Struggling at 149/8 with the lower order at the crease.

Jadeja’s dismissal is symbolic of India’s batting struggles in this decisive Test match. With the Aussies pushing to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s hopes rest on the tail-enders to salvage the innings.

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