True Test match drama, says Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble called the England-India Test at Lord’s “true Test match drama,” praising the intensity and competitiveness of the series. He also lauded Ravindra Jadeja’s consistent batting contributions and justified promotion to No.6 in the batting order.

HYDERABAD: “True Test match drama — this is exactly what you expect when two high-quality teams go head-to-head. Over the last two and a half Tests, there has been very little to separate the sides,” said Anil Kumble, former India captain and one of the greatest leg-spinners ever.

In an interaction on JioHotstar after the third day’s play in the England-India third Test at Lord’s on Saturday, Kumble said that even halfway through the series, it was absolutely levelled.

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“From England’s point of view, they probably didn’t want to face even a single over tonight, but ended up doing so. In fact, even Jofra Archer looked disappointed when he picked up that late wicket! That’s the kind of tension and competitiveness this series has brought,” he said.

“The next two days are set up beautifully — a perfect Sunday for all of us to look forward to,” he added.

On all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who scored yet another half-century in this Test series, Kumble said Jadeja always had the skill and they had known that for a long time, but to consistently deliver with the bat for India has been exceptional.

“Jadeja offers so much, not just with the ball, but also with the bat and on the field. Contributions like this are vital. He has the technique — he has scored two triple hundreds in first-class cricket, which is no mean feat,” Kumble said.

“The way he builds and constructs his innings has been brilliant to watch — just like a regular batter. He has been promoted to No.6 in the batting order, and he has certainly justified the faith,” he said.