Australian cricket star Steve Smith has shared that India's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja often annoys him on the field, but only because of Jadeja's exceptional skills. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, the tension between the teams is already building with players expressing their thoughts on who they find most challenging or amusing.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated series, which kicks off on November 22, Smith said, "I get annoyed by Jadeja on the field because he is a very good player. He always finds a way to get involved, whether it's through scoring runs, taking wickets, or pulling off a great catch. It can be frustrating, but he’s a very good player."
Smith isn’t the only Australian cricketer to highlight Jadeja. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood echoed his sentiment, agreeing that Jadeja is the player who stands out to him as well.
Jadeja has been a formidable force against Australia in the past. In 17 Tests, he has scored 570 runs with an average of 28.50, including five half-centuries. His performance in Australia has also been impressive, scoring 175 runs in five innings with an average of 43.75. On the bowling front, he has taken 89 wickets in Tests against Australia, with 14 of those coming on Australian soil.
However, not all Australian players pointed to Jadeja. Marnus Labuschagne, another key Australian batter, singled out Rishabh Pant as the most amusing Indian player. "Pant is always funny, a great laugh, and plays the game in the right spirit," said Labuschagne. Pant has an impressive track record in Australia, amassing 624 runs in seven matches at an average of over 62.
Meanwhile, Australia's Travis Head mentioned India's Virat Kohli as a player who stands out due to his high energy and consistent run-scoring ability. Kohli has a prolific Test record in Australia, with 1,352 runs across 13 matches at an average of 54.08, including six centuries.
Wrapping up the conversation, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon humorously added, "I get triggered by all Indian players."
The Border-Gavaskar series promises to be a thrilling contest. The first Test will be held in Perth starting November 22, followed by a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will take place in Brisbane at The Gabba from December 14 to 18. The iconic Boxing Day Test will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
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