'Steve Smith's wicket was the turning point' - Ravindra Jadeja after dramatic Chepauk triumph

Ravindra Jadeja feels that Steve Smith's wicket was the turning point against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 clash in Chennai. Losing the toss and bowling first, India restricted Pat Cummins and Co. to a below-par 199 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah provided the first breakthrough for India dismissing opener Mitchell Marsh for a six-ball duck while Kuldeep Yadav sent back a well-set David Warner for 41. When Australia were 110/2, with Smith (46) nearing a half-century, Jadeja struck and dismissed him in the 28th over of the game. The 34-year-old then got the big wicket of Labuschagne (27) in his second delivery of the 30th over and caught Alex Carey LBW for duck in the same over.

While speaking at the press conference after the match, Jadeja stated that he knew the conditions in Chennai as he has been playing at the venue for over 10 years. The 34-year-old also expressed his happiness at whatever contributions he has made during the match.

"I think that was the turning moment, you know, when you get a wicket like Steve Smith. From there onwards it was not easy to just come in and rotate the strike for the new batter. So I would say that wicket was the turning point... And yeah, it helped me, because I knew the conditions in Chennai. I've been playing here for like 10-11 years, so I know the conditions on this ground. I enjoyed it and whatever I contribute to the team I always feel happy," Jadeja said.

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Speaking about his methods during the match, Jadeja said that he felt like it was Test match bowling wicket. He also stated that he just tried to bowl stump-to-stump and it helped him to pick wickets.

"When I started the first over, the ball was stopping after falling a little slow. I thought it was the afternoon, it was hot and the wicket was dry. I thought a stump-line would be better. From here some balls would turn, some would go straight so it won't be easy for the batsman to line up," he said

"This was my plan that I should bowl at the stumps and luckily the ball to Smith turned a little more. So, my plan was simple. I was thinking that this is a Test match bowling wicket. I shouldn't experiment too much because everything was happening from the wicket. So, I was trying to bowl it stump to stump," he added.