Ravindra Jadeja has etched his name in cricket history during the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. His impressive performance on Day 2 saw him achieve a remarkable milestone, solidifying his reputation as a premier all-rounder.
Jadeja's crucial innings of 89 runs off 137 balls was instrumental in India's recovery from a precarious position of 211/5. He formed a formidable 203-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on a double century, propelling India past the 400-run mark. This partnership showcased Jadeja's ability to perform under pressure and contribute significantly to the team's total.
During this innings, Jadeja reached a coveted landmark in the World Test Championship (WTC), becoming the first player to score 2,000 runs and take 100 wickets. By the end of the second day's play, Jadeja's WTC record stood at 2,010 runs and 132 wickets across 41 matches. This unique achievement highlights his value as a consistent performer with both bat and ball in the Test arena.
Adding to his list of accomplishments at Edgbaston, Jadeja became the first visiting player to be involved in multiple partnerships exceeding 200 runs. He had previously shared a 222-run partnership with Rishabh Pant at the same venue in 2022. Overall, there have been 17 partnerships of 200+ runs at Edgbaston, but only two of them are for the sixth wicket or below, and Jadeja has been involved in both. No home team player has managed this feat.
Jadeja's Edgbaston record also includes becoming the first Indian all-rounder to score over 700 runs and take 25 or more wickets in Test matches played in England. In his 12 matches in England, he has scored 739 runs and taken 28 wickets. This feat places him alongside some of the game's greatest all-rounders, such as Sir Garry Sobers and Jacques Kallis.
His knock of 89 also saw him equal Kapil Dev's record for the most fifty-plus scores in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries while batting at number 7 or lower. Both now have eight 50-plus scores, with MS Dhoni leading with ten.
Despite missing out on his fifth Test century, Jadeja's contribution was crucial in shifting the momentum in India's favor. His innings, which included 10 boundaries and a six, came to an end when he edged a short ball from Josh Tongue to the wicketkeeper. At the end of Day 2, India had reached 419/6, with Shubman Gill unbeaten on 168.