Ravindra Jadeja Scores Gritty Fifty in Gabba Test, Celebrates with Sword Swing
Ravindra Jadeja‘s Fifty Highlights India’s Fightback in Brisbane. On Day 4 of the third Test at the Gabba, he scored his third Test fifty in Australia. It was a vital performance under pressure. With India reeling at 74/5, Jadeja walked in to bat. He stabilized the innings with KL Rahul, adding a vital 67-run partnership. He scored a fifty in the second session on December 17. Fans and teammates cheered as he celebrated with his trademark sword.
THE GREATEST ALL-ROUNDER OF MODERN EDA 🐐
– It’s Ravindra Jadeja…!!!! pic.twitter.com/wGgM9IazQn
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 17, 2024
Jadeja’s skill in facing the strong Australian bowlers was invaluable. It was especially so in tough batting conditions, as India tried to recover from early setbacks.
Sword Celebration Returns After Milestone Knock
Jadeja’s iconic sword swing made a reappearance as he reached his half-century. The all-rounder was overjoyed. He had repaid the team’s faith by stepping up in a high-pressure situation. Former India coach Ravi Shastri, commentating live, joked about Jadeja. He wanted Jadeja to save his left wrist for his bowling duties later in the series.
This was Jadeja’s first game in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was left out of the XI for the first two matches in Perth and Adelaide. Other spinners, Washington Sundar and R Ashwin, were preferred.
Partnership with KL Rahul Key for India
Jadeja’s partnership with KL Rahul was the backbone of India’s fightback in the first innings. Rahul, who scored a brilliant 84, was out to a stunning slip catch by Steve Smith. He kept the scoreboard ticking while Jadeja countered the spin of Nathan Lyon.
Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking to Star Sports, praised Jadeja’s batting evolution:
“That’s something that he has worked on, look at that sweep shot. He doesn’t normally play sweeps that much. His batting has improved a lot in the last 3-5 years. He has been batting well across formats. Probably, he is one of the best batters of spin bowling. The way he has negotiated Nathan Lyon. He has got his bad in front of his pad. He has been decisive with his footwork,” Cheteshwar Pujara told Star Sports, praising Jadeja’s ability to tackle the Australian off-spinner.
“You can rely on him as a batter,” he added.
Jadeja’s SENA Test Record: A Dependable All-Rounder
Jadeja’s performance at the Gabba reinforces his growing reputation as a dependable Test all-rounder, especially in challenging conditions. In SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), Jadeja has scored 984 runs at an average of 30 in 22 Tests. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball remains a vital asset for India.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy continues, Jadeja’s role is crucial. It will affect India’s chances of a series win in Australia.
Ravindra Jadeja’s fifty at the Gabba not only rescued India from a precarious position but also highlighted his value as a world-class all-rounder. His composure under pressure and celebrated sword-swinging milestone will remain one of the standout moments of the series.
