India vs England: Ravindra Jadeja hopes R Ashwin achieves Big milestone in Hyderabad Test

Hyderabad, Jan 25: India's star all-rounder duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin on Thursday (January 25) became the second Indian pair after Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh to complete 500 Test wickets while playing together.

The spin-bowling duo achieved the rare distinction on the opening day of the first Test against England at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Jadeja picked up three wickets each as India bundled out England for 246 in the first innings.

While sharing his thoughts on his spin partnership with Ashwin, Jadeja - who returned with 3/88 in the first innings - expressed his desire for his spin twin to achieve a significant milestone during the ongoing Test against England.

In a candid conversation on 'Match Centre Live' hosted on JioCinema and Sports18, Jadeja emphasised the importance of their partnership, highlighting how they collaborate on field settings, line, and length, contributing significantly to India's victories. He expressed his enjoyment of the healthy competition between them and revealed his wish for Ashwin to complete 500 Test wickets in this match itself.

Jadeja remarked, "I really enjoy bowling with Ashwin. It is really helpful with two spinners bowling in tandem. We share a lot of messages around field setting, line, and length, and we are happy to contribute to India's win. We really enjoy the competition. It will be a big achievement if Ashwin completes 500 Test wickets, and I hope he gets it in this match."

He further added a personal note, stating, "I am left with 25 wickets for 300, and it might take the whole series, but I wish Ashwin completes his 500 in this game itself and continues taking wickets for India."

Meanwhile, former India pacer Zaheer Khan, who is an Expert on JioCinema and Sports18, lauded the impressive performance of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained unbeaten on 76 runs off 70 balls at the end of day one's play. Khan praised Jaiswal's exquisite shots, particularly his proficiency in scoring between mid-wicket and square leg, along with his adeptness in reading the bowlers' variations.

"He batted splendidly. We saw some glorious shots, both on the front foot and back foot. Especially, the way he scored between the mid-wicket and square-leg regions was excellent. We also got to see the slog-sweep. He was reading the ball very well," Khan remarked, commending Jaiswal's impeccable form and positive mindset.

India reached 119 for the loss of one wicket in 23 overs at stumps on day one and trail by 127 runs against England. Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma shared a stand of 80 runs for the first wicket before the skipper gifted his wicket away and missed an opportunity to score big.