Ravindra Jadeja comes up with a befitting reply to James Anderson's ‘He can bat like a proper batter now’ remark

Ravindra Jadeja played a heroic knock of 104 runs in the first innings of the fifth Test against England. However, his brilliance was overshadowed by Rishabh Pant's knock of 146 and Jasprit Bumrah's all-rounded performance. His century played a crucial role in India reaching the score of 416 runs in the first innings.

Anderson remarked to the press at the conclusion of Day two after Jadeja's 104-run effort and Bumrah's batting performance enabled India to finish with a big total. "In the past, he was coming at 8, bat with the tail so he had to chance his arm a little bit, whereas now at 7 he can bat like a proper batter. He leaves really well and made it difficult for us," he said.

When asked about Anderson's remark at the post-match press conference, Jadeja brought up the 2014 incident. "See, when you score runs, everyone says they think of themselves as a proper batter. But I've always tried to give myself time at the crease, to set a partnership with whoever is at the crease, to play with him. It's nice Anderson has realised that after 2014," he said.

During the 2014 series, the spat began in the first Test and continued in the second, when Anderson and Jadeja were seen exchanging furious words. But the details of what truly happened occurred in the corridor remain unclear.

After the Test match, India team manager Sunil Dev filed a complaint against Anderson, accusing him of "abusing and pushing" Jadeja. Anderson was subsequently charged with a Level 3 offence.

Jadeja on his knock in the Test match

Speaking more about his effort in Birmingham, Jadeja outlined his strategy for the innings. "In England, you have to play close to the body. The ball swings here so if you look to play the cover- or square-drive there is a chance you can edge to the cordon. My focus was to initially not play at too many balls outside off-stump," he said.