Xtra Time Web Desk: Star India all rounder Ravindra Jadeja may walk out to bat if required by the team on the fifth and final day of the 3rd test match against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Jadeja, who has dislocated his left thumb during the ongoing test match, will require 4-6 weeks to recover fully. He has already been ruled out of the fourth test match of the series and will also miss the start of the England series.
India will host England in a 4-Test series in Chennai and Ahmedabad starting next month. The first Test gets underway at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 5.
Jadeja took a blow to his thumb while batting on Day 3 of the Sydney Test. Jadeja was hit on his gloves by a nasty Mitchell Starc bouncer. Scans showed he has fractured his thumb. He was in clear discomfort but decided to continue batting after getting his thumb taped. He added crucial runs with No. 11 batsman Mohammed Siraj as India managed to bring Australia’s lead to less than 100. However, Jadeja did not take the field during Australia’s 2nd innings.
This is the second time Ravindra Jadeja has suffered injury concerns in the ongoing tour. The all-rounder was ruled out of the first Test after he picked up a hamstring injury and concussion during the T20I series opener in Canberra in December. The left hander had an immediate impact on his return to the Test team as he played an all-round role in India’s 8-wicket win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant will definitely bat on Day 5 if India needs him. Pant survived a major scare after he was hit on the elbow by a Pat Cummins bouncer on Saturday. Scans revealed there was no fracture but Pant was in pain. The left-hand batsman was spotted practicing at the nets during the fourth day’s play at the SCG.
India at stumps on Day 4 has scored 98 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Both openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are back in the hut. They still need 309 runs to win the 3rd Test while the hosts require 8 wickets to take a lead in the four test series.