Ravindra Jadeja becomes third spinner to complete 150 WTC wickets
What's the story
Ravindra Jadeja, the star Indian cricketer, has added another feather to his cap by becoming the third spinner in history to take 150 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC). The milestone came during India's first Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With this achievement, Jadeja joined an elite group of bowlers that includes Nathan Lyon and Ravichandran Ashwin. Here are his stats.
Match impact
Jadeja's impressive bowling performance
Jadeja's achievement came after a stellar performance in the third innings of the match, where he took four wickets. His spell meant SA finished their second innings at 153/10, setting India a target of 124 runs. Jadeja, who went wicket-less in his first outing, trapped four of the top-six batters on this occasion. Notably, SA posted 159/10 batting first as India managed 189/10 in response.
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150 WTC wickets for Jadeja
Jadeja finished his spell with 4/50 from 20 overs. As per ESPNcricinfo, this spell took his tally to 150 wickets from 47 WTC Tests at an average of 26.91. This includes nine four-fers and six five-wicket hauls. As mentioned, Lyon (219) and Ashwin (195) are the only other spinners with 150-plus WTC scalps. Besides Ashwin and Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah (183) is the other Indian in this club.
Information
First all-rounder with this double
With the bat, Jadeja has scored 2,532 WTC runs at an average of 43.65. He has five centuries and 17 half-centuries to his name. No other player with at least 150 wickets in the championship has even managed 1,200 runs. This puts Jadeja in a league of his own.
Career highlights
Jadeja's other milestones in Test cricket
Jadeja also became the fourth bowler ever to take 250 Test wickets in India, a feat only previously achieved by Anil Kumble, Ashwin, and Harbhajan Singh. Playing his 52nd home Test, he has raced to 250 wickets at 20.83. With the bat, he has scored 2,154 runs in these games at 39.16. As per Cricbuzz, the veteran became the second player after Stuart Broad (in England) with the Test double of 2000-plus runs and 250-plus wickets in a country.
Career
4,000 runs in Tests
Earlier in the game, Jadeja went past 4,000 Test runs. He scored 27 off 45 balls in India's first innings. Playing his 88th Test, Jadeja has recorded 4,017 runs at 38.62. His tally includes six tons and 27 fifties. With the ball, he now boasts 342 wickets at an average of 25.10 (5W: 15, 4W: 16). Jadeja is now among the four players with the Test double of 4,000 runs and 300 wickets.