Ravindra Jadeja ruled out of fourth Test; promises to return with a bang

Injuries seem to be plaguing the Indian side on their tour to the land of the kangaroos. While Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav and KL Rahul were ruled out even before the third Test against Australia began at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the visitors were dealt with another major blow.

It has now been confirmed that Ravindra Jadeja will play no further part in the series. The Indian all-rounder was struck on the thumb by a lethal delivery from Mitchell Starc during India’s first innings at Sydney, and suffered a dislocation. Jadeja had played a crucial role in the third Test. It was Jadeja’s brilliance on the field that ended Steve Smith’s splendid knock of 131 in the first innings when his throw caught the Australian batting legend short of his crease.

Jadeja had also picked up 4 wickets in the Australian first innings, including that of the well-set Marnus Labuschagne. The left-arm spinner successfully underwent surgery of his thumb, and has now tweeted that he will return back with a bang.

Ravindra Jadeja tweets on his health condition

Out of action for a https://t.co/ouz0ilet9j completed. But will soon return with a bang!💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/Uh3zQk7Srn

— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) January 12, 2021

The BCCI releases a statement on Ravindra Jadeja’s injury

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also released an official statement regarding the matter. The statement revealed that Jadeja had gone for a scan and the result revealed that he had dislocated his thumb.

“Ravindra Jadeja suffered a blow to his left thumb while batting on Day 3 of the third Border-Gavaskar Test that concluded on Monday. He later went for scans and the results have shown that he has dislocated his thumb,” added the BCCI release.

As far as the on-field performances are concerned, India pulled off an almost impossible feat, by playing out 131 overs in their second innings to defiantly save the third Test. The Aussies tried their best, both with the ball and verbally, but they were unable to dislodge the Indian willow wielders who stood up to the challenge.

The situation is now simple. Whoever wins the fourth and final Test match at Brisbane will win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But having said that, Australia last lost a Test match at The Gabba more than 32 years ago and it is their fortress. It remains to be seen if India can beat the Aussies in their near invincible turf and retain the trophy.