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ravindra-jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja is finally back to training with the team before the first Test against Australia. The match begins on December 17, Thursday.
The 32-year-old was training with the team on Tuesday. Team India’s official account posted a video of Jadeja cutting a cake along with Yadav and bowling coach Bharat Arun. The squad's entire squad celebrated the trio's birthdays.
The left-hander's return to training is a huge encouragement for the visitors. However, it is still not confirmed that he will be fit in time for the first Test match. Jadeja suffered a hamstring strain and a concussion in the first T20I against Australia. It is still doubtful to see Jadeja for the first Test.
Who will replace Ravindra Jadeja in the first Test?
The all-rounder was in excellent form before suffering his injury. The "Men in Blue" will be hoping to have him fit and ready for action as soon as possible. The 32-year-old has the ability to make a significant impact. Even though he plays as an all-rounder or as the lone specialist spinner, the latter will be missed in the first Test.
Jadeja did not play the second and third T20Is against Australia after being hit on the head. Later he was ruled out of the remaining series, and Shardul Thakur was brought in as his replacement.
He is also a brilliant fielder and a fabulous presence to have on the field. These two aspects are hugely important in Test cricket. Ravindra Jadeja currently averages 35.26 with the bat and 24.62 with the ball in the most extended format. If Jadeja is to miss the first Test, then either Kuldeep Yadav or Ravichandran Ashwin will replace him in the playing XI.
The duo has already played in the first tour match against Australia A. But the spinners were not a part of the team for the second tour match which was played with the pink ball. In that match, India went with an all-pace attack.
In six test matches, Kuldeep Yadav has averages 24.12. On the other hand, Ashwin is more experienced. He has taken 362 Test wickets at an average of 25.36.
Ashwin played his last Test for India against New Zealand before the pandemic. Whereas, Yadav has not played Test cricket since India's previous tour to Australia. Henceforth, it looks like Ashwin will be the perfect replacement option for Jadeja at the moment.