Jadeja’s absence will hurt, he builds pressure on batsmen: Pujara

Sydney, Jan 9 : Ravindra Jadeja’s ability to bowl dot balls that can put pressure on the opposition will be missed, said India No. 3 batsman Cheteshwar Pujara after the left-arm spinner could not take field in Australia’s second innings due to injury to his left thumb.
Jadeja took a blow to his left thumb off a Mitchell Starc delivery. The all-rounder had picked four wickets in Australia’s first innings and effected a run-out from the deep to send back centurion Steve Smith. He followed it up with a fighting 28 not out in India’s first innings.
“It is never easy when you lose a bowler especially someone like Ravindra Jadeja who got four wickets in the first innings and who can keep bowling from one end and can land the ball at one spot all the time. He is someone who puts lot of pressure on the batters as he bowls a lot of dot balls. He is very valuable on the field, not just as a bowler but as fielder also. Losing him is a blow,” said Pujara.
The India batsman, who scored 50 off 176 deliveries on Saturday, said that the Indian bowling without Jadeja is a bit weak especially with the presence of youngsters. India are already missing Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma.
While Ishant didn’t travel to Australia as he was not match-fit, Shami and Umesh got injured during the first two Tests.
Mohammed Siraj, who replaced Shami in the eleven, is playing his second Test while Navdeep Saini, who replaced Umesh, is playing only his first Test.