In a dramatic turn of events during Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and Australia at The Oval, Ravindra Jadeja redeemed the missed opportunity of Umesh Yadav by dismissing Travis Head in the very next ball, leaving Australia stunned and losing their crucial fourth wicket.
The incident unfolded in Ravindra Jadeja’s over, just moments after Umesh Yadav failed to capitalize on an easy chance to dismiss Travis Head. Head, determined to make the most of the situation, decided to unleash a powerful slogsweep against Jadeja’s delivery pitched outside off-stump, spinning tantalizingly. However, Head’s execution fell short as he failed to place the ball in the ideal position.
While the Indian camp held their breath, Head’s shot resulted in a stroke of luck for him. The ball soared towards Umesh Yadav, fielding at deep mid-wicket, who positioned himself perfectly to complete a routine catch. However, to India’s dismay, Yadav misjudged the catch, allowing the ball to elude his grasp and sail over the boundary ropes for a six.
The missed opportunity momentarily deflated the Indian team and their supporters. However, it was Ravindra Jadeja who quickly turned the tables in India’s favor. Unperturbed by the previous turn of events, Jadeja remained focused and determined to make an impact.
On the very next ball, Jadeja unleashed a fullish delivery outside off at 97kph. Head, looking to repeat his attacking stroke, aimed to slap the ball through the covers. However, the delivery turned sharply, and the extra bounce surprised him. The ball ricocheted straight back to Jadeja, who exhibited sharp reflexes and took a sharp catch in his follow-through. The caught and bowled dismissal left Head in disbelief and brought an end to his iffy innings. He departed for 18 runs, which included two sixes.
