WTC 2023 Final: Ravindra Jadeja misses out on half-century after reviving Indian batting innings with gritty knock

Rohit Sharma-led Indian team further slipped in the World Test Championship Final against Australia after a meek surrender by the Indian top-order in the second innings. Virat Kohli's departure had the team reeling at 71/4 before star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja launched a commendable fightback against the Aussie bowlers.

The Indian team needed a solid opening stand between Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma to scale Australia's mammoth total. Although they started on a bright note, Rohit fell to his opposite number after missing a flick to be trapped in front of the wicket. Gill also departed in the next over after an ill-judged leave proved fatal for the youngster.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli's twin wickets after the Tea break saw the Aussies take firm control of the proceedings. Australia had their tails up and were looking at an early finish to the Indian innings, only for Ravindra Jadeja to throw a spanner in their plans. The star Indian all-rounder joined hands with senior middle-order batter Ajinkya Rahane, stitching an invaluable partnership for the fifth wicket.

Nathan Lyon dismissed Jadeja on the stroke of Stumps

While Rahane was measured in his approach, Jadeja did not spare any loose deliveries from the Aussie bowlers, especially the pacers. He did ride his luck a bit during his brisk knock as a couple of edges evaded the fielders in the slip cordon. However, he fell just two short of a well-deserved half-century after veteran Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon ended his belligerence at the crease.

The 71-run stand was halted after Jadeja was completely done by a lovely delivery from Lyon, ending India's revival just fifteen minutes before Stumps. The southpaw smashed seven boundaries and a towering six during his 51-ball stay at the crease.