Ravindra Jadeja delivered a stellar bowling performance in the first ODI against England at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/26 in 9 overs. His spell played a crucial role in bowling England out for 248 in 47.4 overs. In the process, Jadeja became the highest wicket-taker in India vs England ODIs, surpassing the legendary James Anderson when he dismissed Jacob Bethell in the 43rd over.
A Record-Breaking Spell
Bethell attempted a big slog sweep but completely missed the ball, which struck his pads. India appealed, but the umpire remained unmoved. After a quick discussion with Jadeja, captain Rohit Sharma opted for a review. Replays confirmed the ball was hitting the stumps, leading to the decision being overturned. This wicket not only gave Jadeja his second of the day but also placed him at the top of the all-time wicket-takers list in India vs England ODIs.
A few overs later, Jadeja cleaned up Adil Rashid, further denting England’s innings. With 42 wickets in 27 ODIs against England at an average of 23.28, Jadeja’s record is significantly better than his overall ODI bowling average of 35.70. Anderson, whose record Jadeja surpassed, had taken 31 matches to claim 40 wickets against India.
Most Wickets in India vs England ODIs:
- 42 – Ravindra Jadeja *
- 40 – James Anderson
- 37 – Andrew Flintoff
- 36 – Harbhajan Singh
- 35 – Javagal Srinath / R Ashwin
Key Dismissals: Joe Root, Bethell, and Rashid
Jadeja’s most crucial wicket of the day came earlier when he dismissed Joe Root for 19. Playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, Root was trapped lbw by Jadeja—marking the fourth time the Indian all-rounder has dismissed him in ODIs, only behind Trent Boult (New Zealand).
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England’s Innings: A Struggle Against India’s Disciplined Bowling
Electing to bat first on a hot and sunny afternoon, England lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out in 47.4 overs, despite Jos Buttler’s 52 and Jacob Bethell’s 51.
Pacer Mohammed Shami started with a maiden over, but Phil Salt counterattacked, smashing three sixes and two fours in a 26-run over against debutant Rana.
However, England’s momentum was halted when Salt, who was on 43, got run out after a mix-up with Ben Duckett (32). Debutant Rana made an impact, dismissing Duckett and Harry Brook for a duck in quick succession, reducing England to 77/3 in 10 overs.
Root and Buttler attempted a rebuild with a 34-run stand, but Jadeja broke through with his first wicket. Buttler then partnered Bethell for a 59-run stand, but once again, India’s bowlers struck at key moments.
Axar Patel removed Buttler (52) as he mistimed a pull shot to Hardik Pandya at short-fine leg. Wickets tumbled as Rana dismissed Liam Livingstone (5) and Shami bowled Brydon Carse (10).
Bethell managed to reach his fifty, but Jadeja trapped him lbw, effectively ending England’s resistance. Jofra Archer (21* off 18) added a few late runs, but England failed to bat out their 50 overs, continuing their struggles after a 4-1 defeat in the T20 series.
With Jadeja’s record-breaking spell and India’s disciplined bowling, the hosts have a strong chance of taking the lead in the ODI series. England, on the other hand, will need a better batting display to bounce back in the next match.
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