Vintage Jadeja back to the fore

Veteran spinner doing what he does best and that's a massive boost for India ahead of CT

- GOMESH S

RAVINDRA Jadeja was at the top of his mark at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Taking guard in front of him was England batter Harry Brook. The Indian spinner, playing only his second ODI since the home World Cup in 2023, was in his zone, a place where he positions himself in the realm of super-humans.

When in flow, Jadeja doesn't take more than two minutes to get through his over. It starts with the gripping of the ball in the left hand, followed by a short glance around to check the field before walking a few steps to release the ball like he has a thread attached to it. When he has someone who is susceptible against spinners, he repeats it all over again five more times, all in a span about 90 seconds.

The 24th over of the England innings on Sunday was one such instance.

Brook kicked off the over with a front foot defence, playing the ball back to Jadeja. By the time he was done adjusting his gloves, Jadeja was waiting at the top of his mark, ready to walk in again. Next ball, Jadeja kept it to the stumps. Brook blocked again. Jadeja walked in. Brook worked it to leg side.