Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: A look at Ravindra Jadeja’s incredible First Class record in matches at Rajkot

Ravindra Jadeja’s love affair with the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot continued as he struck an important, unbeaten 110 on day one of the third Test against England.

Jadeja’s effort took him to 1,564 runs in 17 First Class innings on this ground at an incredible average of 142.18. Four fifties and six centuries make up this mighty tally, including a high score of 331.

Interestingly, not even the great Sir Donald Bradman has over 1,500 First Class runs at a single venue with an average above 125.

Ravindra Jadeja’s record at Rajkot goes from strength to strength

Two of Jadeja’s four Test hundreds have come on this ground. He struck an unbeaten 100 against West Indies back in 2018. However, he came in to bat with India well placed at 470/5 on that occasion, with Prithvi Shaw (134) and Virat Kohli (139) striking tons.

This time around, Jadeja walked into a bit of chaos after returning from a hamstring injury. India had lost three wickets cheaply – two to Mark Wood and one to Tom Hartley – to sit in a troublesome position of 33/3. But, there was a sense of calm when Jadeja began to go about his work, combining defensive solidity with proactive strokeplay to keep things moving first with Rohit Sharma and then debutant Sarfaraz Khan.

Jadeja’s only blemish of the day was in his 90s. He looked more passive as he drew closer to the ton, surviving a very close LBW shout on 93 that would have been given out had England reviewed. Then, seeking his 100th run, Jadeja left Sarfaraz stranded after the debutant struck a superb 62 off 66 balls.

But, with all that said and done, Jadeja will begin day two with an eye to more runs. After all, this is his ground. And, India, 326/5 after day one, need him to continue on his merry way given the surface is proving to be a good one for batting.