Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja achieved a major career milestone during the first ODI against England at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday, becoming only the fifth Indian bowler to reach 600 international wickets across all formats.
The 36-year-old left-arm spinner delivered an exceptional performance, finishing with figures of 3/26 in his nine-over spell, which included a maiden over. His three victims—Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and Adil Rashid—helped him join an elite club of Indian bowlers to have reached the landmark, alongside Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, and Kapil Dev.
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Jadeja also contributed with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 12 off 10 balls, hitting two boundaries in the process. His all-round efforts played a crucial role in India’s bowling attack as they restricted England to a competitive total.
England had won the toss and elected to bat first, starting strongly with a 75-run opening stand between Philip Salt (43 off 26 balls, five fours and three sixes) and Ben Duckett (32 off 29 balls, six fours). However, India fought back to reduce England to 111/4, with Joe Root departing for 19. Captain Jos Buttler (52 off 67 balls, four boundaries) and Jacob Bethell added a crucial 59-run partnership, but once Buttler was dismissed, Bethell managed to reach his half-century (51 off 64 balls, three fours and a six). A late cameo from Jofra Archer (21* off 18 balls, three fours and a six) helped England finish at 248 in 47.4 overs.
Jadeja and debutant Harshit Rana were the standout bowlers for India, both taking three wickets each. Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with a wicket apiece. Jadeja’s latest achievement further cements his legacy as one of India’s greatest all-rounders, showcasing his ability to make an impact in all departments of the game.
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