Top 5 bowling spells by Ravindra Jadeja in Tests

#4 5/73 against New Zealand in Kanpur (2016)

Jadeja bowled with superb control against New Zealand

It was the start of India’s long home season – 13 Test matches in the span of 7 months. Ashwin and Jadeja were going to play a key role in those games. New Zealand were first up and it was the first Test of the season and also India’s 500th Test. Thus, it was a momentous occasion.

India batted first after winning the toss and posted 318. It was Jadeja’s unbeaten 42 that helped the hosts cross the 300-mark after they had lost 8 wickets for 123 runs. New Zealand’s first innings started brightly as Latham and Williamson fought their way to take the visitors to 159/1.

But an opening provided by Ashwin who scalped both Latham and Williamson helped Jadeja as he ran through the Kiwi batting line-up to help India gain an important 56-run lead. Jadeja bowled with great control and accuracy. Even when he couldn’t pick wickets at the start of his spell, he didn’t give away too many runs and kept the pressure on from his end.

Hence, his 5/73 which included a 3-wicket over helped India gain advantage. His all-round efforts also helped him earn the Man of the Match award.