I feel annoyed by Jadeja on the field: Steve Smith

Among the Indian team’s best all-rounders is Ravindra Jadeja. The southpaw, who has played a crucial role for the Test and ODI teams, declared his retirement from T20 Internationals following the team’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. When Jadeja bowls, he is renowned to give hitters little room to breathe in between deliveries, but for various reasons, Australian batsman Steve Smith has been wary of him.

Smith, who is quite animated at the crease, admitted that Jadeja’s sheer proficiency on the field intimidates him. The left-arm spinner is quick when playing fielder and unpredictable when pitching. Smith acknowledged that Jadeja is a whole package and acknowledged that he irritates him on the field.

“The fact that Jadeja is a skilled player irritates me when he’s on the pitch. Whether it’s making a fantastic catch, getting wickets, or scoring runs, he always manages to get involved in the action.

He’s a very excellent player, even though it may be a little frustrating at times, Steve Smith told Star Sports.

Josh Hazlewood, an Australian pacer, echoed Smith’s assessment when he said, “Jadeja again,” to the same query. For those who don’t know, Australia and India will play a five-match Test series as part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On November 22, the first test of India’s Australian tour will take place at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

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It’s important to remember that India is defending the coveted trophy after defeating the visiting Australian squad 2-1 in 2023.