Sat Dec 28 06:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Jadeja’s Weakness Against Off-Spinners Exposed in Melbourne Test
**Melbourne, Australia** – India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is facing renewed scrutiny after again falling victim to an off-spinner in the fourth Ashes Test against Australia. Nathan Lyon, who has dismissed Jadeja seven times in his career, trapped the all-rounder LBW for 17 runs on day three of the Boxing Day Test, highlighting a persistent vulnerability.
This dismissal underscores a broader trend. Since last year, off-spinners have dismissed Jadeja 13 times in Test cricket – more than any other batter in that period. His average against off-spinners has plummeted to 22.38 in Tests since last year, down from 29.9 previously, a stark contrast to his average of 32.9 against right-arm fast bowlers and over 45 against other bowlers. This weakness, which has been evident since 2018 (with a career average of 29.85 against off-spin in all formats), is causing concern for the Indian team.
Critics are questioning Jadeja’s ability to counter off-spin bowling, particularly given the frequency with which he’s dismissed by these bowlers. His struggles in Melbourne, where Lyon exploited a lapse in concentration leading to the LBW dismissal, only serve to amplify these concerns. With India needing Jadeja to contribute significantly in the second innings, the all-rounder faces the challenge of addressing this weakness to retain his place in the team.
First Piper 