IND vs ENG: 'He offers so much' - Ravindra Jadeja hailed by Anil Kumble after Lord's Knock

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Ravindra Jadeja's evolution as a Test cricketer was on full display during India's first innings in the 3rd Test against England at Lord's, earning him glowing praise from former India captain Anil Kumble.

Jadeja, batting at number six, once again proved his mettle with a composed 72, steering India out of a tricky situation and cementing his reputation as one of the team's most reliable all-rounders.

"He has always had the skill - we have known that for a long time - but to consistently deliver with the bat for India has been exceptional. Ravindra Jadeja offers so much, not just with the ball, but also with the bat and on the field. Contributions like this are vital," Kumble said on Jadeja at the Match Centre Live on Jio Hotstar.

"He has been promoted to number six in the batting order, and he has certainly justified the faith. In the last game, he made a useful contribution, and today as well, he stitched a wonderful partnership with Washington Sundar," he added.

Jadeja's 72 off 131 balls, laced with eight boundaries and a six, helped India match England's first innings total of 387, a rare occurrence in Test history.

Jadeja's crucial partnerships, particularly the 72-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy and a 48-run partnership with Washington Sundar, were instrumental in steadying India's innings and ensuring the visitors did not concede a first innings lead.

England finished Day 3 with 2 runs on board. With the final two days remaining, the match and the series is poised delicately. And Kumble hailed the competitiveness, praising the two teams.

"This is exactly what you expect when two high-quality teams go head-to-head. Over the last two and a half Tests, there has been very little to separate the sides. Even halfway through the series, it is absolutely levelled," the former India captain said.