5 most consistent players from the first Test between India and New Zealand

#2 Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja gave a splendid all-round display in the match

1st innings: Batting – 42 (44), Bowling – 5/73

2nd innings: Batting – 50 (58), Bowling – 1/58

Much was made of India’s playing combination ahead of the first Test. The Saurashtra cricketer had done enough in the Duleep Trophy to earn the faith of his captain for the first Test and he went out of his way to repay the faith put in him.

His quickfire 42 in the first innings proved to be the difference between the two teams at the halfway stage. With the ball, he ripped apart the New Zealand batting order with a five-for.

In the second innings, he scored only his second half-century in Test cricket and marked the occasion with an exuberant celebration. With the ball, he was incredibly tidy, stemming the flow of runs almost completely, as he bowled an incredible 17 maidens in his 34 overs.

He has cemented his place in the squad and his was a truly world class all-round performance, and he was deservedly declared the Man of the Match.