Brad Haddin questions Ravindra Jadeja’s role, says all-rounder can not be effective in England

Former Australian wicket-keeper Brad Haddin has questioned Ravindra Jadeja’s role as the first-choice spinner in foreign conditions. Haddin noted that Jadeja is effective in spin-friendly Indian conditions but he is not delivering as per the expectations while playing outside the subcontinent.

Jadeja scored 11 runs in the first innings whereas he scored an unbeaten 25 in the second innings in the opening Test against England.

In both innings, Jadeja had to bat with the lower order and he didn’t receive support from the other end. The left-arm orthodox went wicketless in the first innings and could only take a single wicket in the second dig. 

Furthermore, Jadeja dropped Ben Duckett’s catch when he was on 15 in the first essay. Surprisingly, the experienced all-rounder could not utilise the rough outside the left-hander’s off-stump in the second innings and he was taken to the cleaners by Ben Duckett.

“Are we seeing the decline of Ravindra Jadeja? I mean yes, he is effective in Indian conditions and how hard it is to play left-arm spin in India but I don’t think he is the best option to have in the team spin wise,” Haddin said on the LiSTNR Sport podcast.

“I don’t think Jadeja can be effective. Yes, he is good all-rounder and he could play as a second spinner – hold at the other end. But I think they need to be more attacking, be willing to lose a Test match with some inexperienced bowlers but change their mindset at the way they go about it,” Haddin added.

The Punjab Kings assistant coach urged India to be bold in their selection and back Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI.

“I would look at Kuldeep. Someone who is an attacking spinner, who can get wickets. You’ve got a couple of hold-in bowlers. Siraj can play that role, but I think they need to be a bit more bold in their selection of bowlers,” he said.

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.