The drama unfolded early on Day 2 at Edgbaston when Ravindra Jadeja discovered himself on the middle of controversy involving England seamer Chris Woakes and their captain Ben Stokes.
Tensions rise early as Ravindra Jadeja and Chris Woakes conflict over operating ways
In simply the second over of the morning, Jadeja aborted a fast single after taking a few strides down the pitch. Whereas it appeared routine to many, Woakes appeared visibly upset, elevating considerations that Jadeja may be doing this repeatedly to create tough patches within the protected space of the pitch. This act may probably give Indian bowlers a bonus afterward. The umpire took observe and instantly intervened. In response, Jadeja adjusted his operating approach within the subsequent supply, leaping away from the hazard zone whereas finishing a single, demonstrating each respect for the principles and consciousness of the match state of affairs.
Regardless of the early confrontation, Jadeja maintained his composure and let his batting do the speaking. Inside a number of overs, he introduced up a well-earned half-century off Woakes’ bowling and celebrated together with his trademark sword-wielding gesture, signaling his dominance and confidence. Nevertheless, the air between him and Woakes remained thick with pressure. Their battle was not simply with the ball but additionally psychological, because the England pacer continued to eye Jadeja’s each transfer intently. Jadeja’s gesture wasn’t only a celebration—it felt like an announcement: he was right here to struggle by means of not solely England’s bowling assault but additionally the verbal duels and strategic thoughts video games.
Ben Stokes joins the fray as tempers flare as soon as extra
Issues escalated additional on the finish of the 88th over when Woakes as soon as once more accused Jadeja of encroaching into the protected space whereas operating. This time, England captain Stokes joined the dialog, confronting Jadeja alongside his teammate. Each gamers identified particular areas of the pitch they believed Jadeja had stepped on intentionally. Stokes, visibly irritated, engaged in an animated dialogue with the Indian all-rounder. Jadeja, nonetheless, calmly defended himself, explaining that he was steering away from the hazard zone and had no intention to tamper with the floor.
Earlier than the subsequent ball being bowled, Ravindra Jadeja addressed the controversy that had brewed over his operating sample. Replying to Stokes, he made his place clear, saying, “Why would I do this? My focus is on batting,” His tone was calm however agency, disregarding the accusations of making an attempt to tough up the pitch. It was a delicate reminder of his seniority and professionalism, a seasoned cricketer who values his integrity and position within the group. The feedback additionally offered closure to the day’s drama, permitting the main focus to return to cricketing ability relatively than heated disputes.
If the England captain wished to interrupt Jadeja’s rhythm, the ploy failed spectacularly. Within the very subsequent over following the confrontation, Jadeja took the assault on to Stokes, smashing him for 2 consecutive boundaries. The primary was a crisp drive by means of further cowl, and the second, a deft look right down to high-quality leg. Each photographs not solely added essential runs to India’s complete but additionally served as a symbolic riposte to the verbal battle simply moments earlier. The Indian followers within the stands erupted in applause, recognizing the importance of Jadeja’s reply: not with confrontation, however with elegant strokeplay.
Right here’s the video:
When @imjadeja runs, the fielders panic and commentators react #NavjotSinghSidhu’s response is pure gold!#ENGvIND 👉 2nd TEST, Day 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/hiGDPrqlbR pic.twitter.com/uWp2anLbDp
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) July 3, 2025
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Jadeja falls simply in need of a century on Day 2 of Edgbaston Check
After absorbing the warmth of controversy and taking part in a vital position in steadying the Indian innings, Jadeja appeared set for a well-deserved century. Nevertheless, Josh Tongue, England’s tempo sensation, had different concepts. Bowling with aggression and objective, he delivered a pointy bouncer that caught Jadeja off guard. Making an attempt to nudge it behind sq. for a single, Jadeja misjudged the bounce. The ball kissed his glove and flew straight into the protected palms of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The gang, absolutely conscious of the standard of Jadeja’s knock, gave him a rousing ovation as he walked off for 89. Although in need of 100, it was an innings filled with objective, grit, and resistance.
Jadeja’s dismissal ended what had been a monumental 203-run partnership with skipper Shubman Gill, who continued to anchor the innings with poise. Collectively, the duo had not solely rescued India from a probably difficult place but additionally tilted the match considerably within the guests’ favor. Jadeja’s capability to rotate strike and speed up when wanted was an ideal foil to Gill’s elegant strokeplay. Their stand was a textbook instance of how you can construct a Check partnership: composed, well-paced, and dominating with out being reckless. It pushed India effectively previous the 400-run mark and right into a commanding place.
Whereas Jadeja’s departure was a setback, Gill stood tall, persevering with his elegant innings with class and authority. Resuming on his in a single day rating of 114, the Indian captain surged previous 150, registering his highest rating in Check cricket. His knock, full of cowl drives, exact footwork, and very good temperament, ensured that India remained in management. As the primary session got here to an finish, India sat comfortably at 419/6, with Gill unbeaten on 168. His management, paired with Jadeja’s preventing spirit, had laid the inspiration for what may very well be a match-defining first-innings efficiency.
Additionally WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja brings out sword celebration after dazzling fifty on Day 2 of Edgbaston Check – ENG vs IND
