In the ODI World Cup 2023 match in Chennai, Steve Smith wicket, in the opinion of Ravindra Jadeja, was the turning point against Australia. India bowled first after losing the toss and limiting Pat Cummins and company to a disappointing 199 runs.
India’s first wicket came from Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed opener Mitchell Marsh for a six-ball duck. Kuldeep Yadav then returned a well-positioned David Warner for 41. In the 28th over of the match, Steve Smith (46) was out when Australia were 110/2 and on the verge of reaching a half-century. In the second ball of the 30th over, the 34-year-old took the crucial wicket of Labuschagne (27), and in the same over, he also caught Alex Carey LBW for a duck.
After the game, Ravindra Jadeja said in a press conference that he was familiar with Chennai’s weather because he had been performing there for more than a decade. In addition, the 34-year-old expressed his gratitude for whatever contributions he made to the game.
“I believe getting a wicket like Steve Smith was the tipping point, you know.
After that, it was difficult to simply enter and rotate the strike for the new batter. Therefore, I would say that wicket was the pivotal moment. Yes, it was helpful to me because I was aware of the circumstances in Chennai. I’ve been playing here for around 10 or 11 years, so I am familiar with the grounds’ circumstances. I had fun doing it, and I always feel good about the contributions I provide to the team, Jadeja added.
Ravindra Jadeja remarked that he felt that the pitch was a Test match bowling wicket when discussing his strategies during the game. Additionally, he said that simply trying to bowl stump-to-stump enabled him to take wickets.
“The ball was stopped after dropping a little slowly when I began the first over. Because it was hot and the wicket was dry, I assumed it was afternoon. A stump-line would be preferable, in my opinion. It won’t be simple for the batter to line up from here since some balls will spin and some will go straight, he said.
“It was my intention to bowl towards the stumps, and fortunately the ball turned a little more for Smith. So, my strategy was straightforward. This is a bowling wicket for a test match, I was thinking. I shouldn’t try too many different things because the wicket was the source of all the action. I was attempting to bowl it from stump to stump, he continued.