Jadeja says he will rewind and play the run out of Smith
Smith, who was batting on 130 and was in a mood to slog every ball in company of No.11 batsman Josh Hazlewood, couldn't beat a direct throw from Jadeja
Sydney: An exceptional all-rounder, India’s Ravindra Jadeja was pretty chuffed about running Steve Smith out with a direct hit in the ongoing third Test against Australia and called it his “best ever” fielding effort which he can watch any number of times.
Smith, who was batting on 130 and was in a mood to slog every ball in company of No.11 batsman Josh Hazlewood, couldn’t beat a direct throw from Jadeja, who sprinted from his deep square leg position and effected a direct hit with throw reminiscent of the great Kapil Dev during his heydays.
Asked what will he like to watch, the four wickets he got or the run-out, the senior all-rounder replied: “I will rewind and play this run-out as this is my best effort. A direct hit from outside the 30-yard circle and that’s like a moment that gives you that satisfaction.”
“Three or four wicket hauls are fine but this run-out will stay with me,” said the Saurashtra all-rounder.
Jadeja has been a live wire on the field during this tour with some fantastic catches like the one he took running backwards at the MCG to dismiss Matthew Wade or this run-out at a crucial juncture when Smith could have added an extra 25 to 30 runs.
Meanwhile, Jadeja said he varied the pace and created angles since there was not much turn on offer. “The idea was to create pressure as this wasn’t a wicket where you would get chance in every over. You can’t bowl all deliveries at same pace on this wicket as there was no turn on offer. You had to mix and match and create angles,” said Jadeja while talking about his plans going into day two.
On his batting, Jadeja said: “Not just last 12-18 months, from the time I started playing, that’s what has been my role. Whenever I am playing, I try to contribute in both departments of the game.
“And whenever I have been given opportunities, more often than not, I have delivered. Yes, outside India, my batting performances have been highlighted more. I am not thinking too much only want to cash in on every chance that I get.”
Jadeja is batting at number seven in the series but won’t mind batting higher up the order. “The higher up the order I bat, I play with more responsibility and playing with top order batsman, you interact and gain confidence. About what we need to do and what we don’t need to do.’’
