Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 4: Tensions flared at Edgbaston during the second Test between India and England as a verbal spat erupted between India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and England skipper Ben Stokes over alleged pitch tampering. The incident occurred on Day 2 after England pacer Chris Woakes raised objections with the umpires about Jadeja’s footwork near the danger area of the pitch.

Stokes, reacting sharply, pointed at the scuff marks left behind and reportedly told Jadeja, “Look what you have done, mate,” implying deliberate roughing of the pitch surface. However, Jadeja was quick to dismiss the claims, calling it a clear case of mind games.

Speaking after the day’s play, Jadeja clarified his stance saying, “I was coming from the same area I always do. I wasn’t going to bowl there, so why would I rough it up? My focus was purely on batting.” He added that Stokes was overthinking the matter, and even suggested that it was England’s own fast bowlers who were doing more damage to the surface.

“He kept telling the umpire I was running on the pitch, but that wasn’t my intention. I just moved here and there a few times. It was more in his mind than in my actions,” Jadeja said.

Jadeja backed his words with a solid performance, playing a crucial knock of 89 runs off 137 deliveries and building a massive 203-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who dazzled the crowd with a career-best 269. Jadeja’s innings came to an end after gloving a sharp bouncer from Josh Tongue, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.

With India posting a mammoth 587 in the first innings, the visitors tightened their grip on the match by sending back three of England’s top batters by stumps. At 77 for 3, England found themselves in deep trouble heading into Day 3.

As the Edgbaston Test continues to heat up on and off the field, Jadeja’s composed response and crucial contribution have only added to India’s commanding position in the match.