As the second day begins for the third Test between India and England at Rajkot, former England skipper Michael Vaughan believes that the Indian side is currently on top and has the right bowling attack as well to cause damage.
Speaking to Cricbuzz, Vaughan praised the brilliant century by the Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja who is coming in for the second day unbeaten at 110. However, the former English skipper believes that the left-hander will be having a say with the ball as well. He added,” He’ll have a say with the ball as well. He’s already done it with the bat.”
With the familiar conditions and a stellar record in this venue, local-boy Jadeja could certainly have a big role to play in deciding the outcome of this match. The left-hander has a stellar first-class record at the venue scoring over 1500 runs in 12 matches played with a ridiculous average of 142 and a career-best score of 331. His skill with the ball is also unmatched as he will look to create an impact with wickets later on as well.
Vaughan believes that the Indian team will look to add on 100-150 runs with Jadeja in the middle and the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and debutant Dhruv Jurel to come in to bat as well. He said,” India will want another 100 at least. If it gets to 450 that’s going to be a big-big score on this venue.”
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The 2005 Ashes-winning captain highlighted the potency of the Indian bowling attack. He thinks that the hosts have picked out the right playing XI. He added,” I think Jadeja is a world-class spinner, Kuldeep, coming off a good second Test and Ashwin to make a perfect spin-trio there. Adding to that you have Siraj, who has the spell in him to break open a Test match and then you have Bumrah, he is going to be the key, particularly in the first innings.”
Vaughan also warned England that they would have to come close to levelling the first-innings score. If not they would be giving away the Test with a star-studded bowling attack in Bumrah, Siraj, Kuldeep, Ashwin and Jadeja.
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He concluded by saying,” If England offer up a 100-125 run lead then they are giving it away. England will have to come close to levelling the score.”
India will resume their innings with Jadeja and Kuldeep in the middle. The all-rounder Jadeja will look to continue where he left off and aim to extend his score of 110 and possibly register a new career-best score in Tests.
With the likes of Jurel and Ashwin yet to come in, India will likely remain confident in being able to secure a lead in the Test series which is currently level at 1-1.
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