Windies vs India: Ravindra Jadeja on the verge of achieving a special milestone in Tests

After comprehensive victories in the limited-overs leg, the Indian team is set to take on the Windies in the longer format starting Thursday, 22nd August. Virat Kohli and team management have to brainstorm in figuring out their best playing eleven, especially their spin combination. Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja will all be in contention for the spot in the final team.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja is on the verge of another Test bowling record. The southpaw has picked up 192 Test wickets in 41 matches. If he scalps eight more batsmen in the upcoming series, he will become the second-fastest Indian to bag 200 wickets. His teammate Ravi Ashwin is the fastest Indian; the off-spinner achieved this feat in 37 matches in 2016. Third on the list is Harbhajan Singh who took 46 matches to obtain 200 Test wickets.

A decent record against Caribbeans

Ravindra Jadeja’s form in the World Cup earned him lots of applauds from fans. His ‘three-dimensional’ skills were on complete display in the semi-final against New Zealand. The Gujarat-born all-rounder has a decent record against the Windies in Test cricket. He has picked 10 wickets in three matches to go with a hundred last year. He is a live wire in the field and is consistent with ball in the hand.

In the recently concluded warm-up match versus Windies A, Jadeja went wicketless in the first innings and took a solitary wicket in the second innings before the match ended as a draw. Jadeja is currently fifth in ICC Test bowlers rankings and third on the all-rounder chart.

It would be interesting to see who gets the nod between Kuldeep and Jadeja if Kohli decides to go with two spinners. The two-match Test series will also embark the ICC World Test Championship for both the teams. India will certainly start favorites, but the Windies side cannot be taken lightly at all, particularly in their home conditions.

Earlier this year, they blew away a competent English side with their pace and bounce. Both teams have strong fast bowling attack and we could be in for a riveting contest between bat and ball if rain gods permit.

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