Former India batsman Virender Sehwag hailed all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for coming to the rescue in the first Test against England. Jadeja scored a half-century in the first innings, which helped India take a crucial lead of 95 runs.

The visitors were 5 down on 145 runs and Jadeja added 60 runs with KL Rahul for the sixth wicket. He played a knock of 56 runs as India posted a total of 278 runs in the first innings. Unfortunately, the match ended in a draw after rain washed out the last day.

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Sehwag said when the main batsmen get out, Jadeja comes up with important runs at a crucial time. "Ravindra Jadeja is an important player of this team, especially when we talk about Test match cricket because firstly, he bowls 25-30 overs and secondly, he comes and bats at No.7 or No.8. 

"When the main batsmen get out, he scores those crucial runs. He scored 56 runs in this Test match; they were crucial runs. Probably, because of his 56 runs only India got the lead and went ahead of England," he said on Sony Sports Network.

Sehwag is backing Jadeja to better his performance after realizing his true potential as an all-rounder. He recalled when Jadeja first came into the Indian cricket team and fulfilled the need of a quality all-rounder. 

"Now, Jadeja is a main bowler, left-arm spinner for India, and his contribution with the bat. He has not yet realized his potential but it has been magnificent," Sehwag added. "I still remember when Ravindra Jadeja had come for the first time, I was the vice-captain that time, our mindset was to get a bowler who bats as well and gives a break to our main bowlers. He came with that thinking."

(With Sony Sports Network Inputs)