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Top performer: Jadeja's golden arm working wonders

March 15, 2013

When Ravindra Jadeja was selected to the Indian Test team in December the decision left many surprised, because the Saurashtra all-rounder was considered as a limited-overs specialist given his exploits in T20 and ODIs.

But he forced his way into the Test squad on the basis of a consistent showing in domestic cricket, including a record two triple hundreds in the Ranji Trophy last season.

- PHOTOS: India v Australia, Mohali Test, Day 2

Though he hasn't lived up to the promise with the bat, he is proving quite useful with the ball; his golden arm is working wonders for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

On Day 2 of the rain-hit third Test in Mohali, it was again Jadeja's bowling that did the trick and gave the hosts a slight edge as Australia were reduced to 273 for 7.

Jadeja was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, claiming three for 56 in 22 overs, including two wickets in a single over, to peg back Australia after a good start.

He made the initial breakthrough by scalping David Warner for 71 after a 137-run opening stand with Ed Cowan.

Off the very next ball he had Michael Clarke stumped and Australia slumped from that stage itself.

In fact, this was the fourth time in the series that Jadeja got the wicket of Australia's batting mainstay Clarke, whose dismissal changed the course of the Australian innings.

Late in the day, he trapped Peter Siddle leg before wicket for a duck as Australia's woeful showing against spin continued in India.

Photograph: BCCI

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