In this ongoing series, Jadeja’s role had been limited to that of a substitute fielder until R Ashwin’s groin injury presented him with an opportunity in the The Oval Test. In the first three days, the all-rounder has taken five wickets and scored 86 not out to stamp his presence.
England assistant coach Paul Farbrace said the Jadeja-Vihari seventh wicket stand of 77 runs was frustrating on Sunday morning. “There was a chance dropped before that last partnership got going, but to be fair to Jadeja, he played magnificently well.
“He’s an exceptional cricketer, a dangerous cricketer – with bat, ball and in the field – we would probably be reasonably happy he’s only just played in this last game.
Jadeja missed his maiden century after last man Jasprit Bumrah was run out, but England are hoping Alastair Cook gets one in his farewell innings after reaching 46 at stumps on Day 3. He will become only the fifth Test batsman to score a century on debut and last innings if he gets one.
“It’d be fantastic, wouldn’t it, if he was to get to a hundred?” he said. “I think he’s just enjoying milking all the applause he’s getting. It’s just driving him on to bat as long as he possibly can.
