Indian bowling unit was at their best as they bowled out England for 303 runs meaning tourists need to chase 209 runs in their second innings at Trent Bridge at Nottingham to go 1-0 up in the five-match Test series.
Even though Team India has lost in-form batsman KL Rahul early, former India cricketer opined that the match is still in India's bag during a discussion on Sony Sports.
“Of course, the game is in your pocket. The team has put in the effort, there is no doubt about that. At one stage it seemed that instead of 209, we might have to score 260. Then Jasprit Bumrah did his magic and you got the whole session back,” Jadeja told Sony Sports.
“Even in the last session because the target was 209, the England team went after you. If it had been the morning session, hardly 25-30 would have been scored even if you were no loss, but here you took the bonus of 25-30 runs, which has made a huge difference,” he added.
The 50-year-old then pointed out the batting depth India posses as even pacer Shardul Thakur is capable of having a bat and getting a few runs if needed.
“This Indian team does not leave anyone till No.8. Even Shardul Thakur can score runs. So, these 157 runs, we will see how the game unfolds, but whatever understanding I have, it is in your pocket,” the right-hand batsman concluded.
Despite losing Rahul on 26(38), the tourists are currently 52/1 with both Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara both batting on 12 with India requiring 157 more runs to win this first Test match.
(With Sony Sports Inputs)
