Jadhav gets his ‘big stage’, shines in India A win

Scores a half-century, Motwani safe behind the stumps as India A win against England

Kedar Jadhav says he knew it was going to be his day when he heard a rich thwack when Steven Finn's short-pitched delivery hit the middle of his bat. "Finn was generating pace and bounce. He was bowling short to me and I just rocked back and pulled him hard through square-leg for my first boundary. Just as the ball struck my bat, I knew something good would happen," he says.

Jadhav is no stranger to big occasions and by his own admission prefers to "deliver on the real big stage". In the 2012 Challenger Trophy final, Jadhav had powered 60 runs off just 42 balls to help India B to victory. Jadhav who last played for India A in August 2010 says getting back into the squad was one of his priorities.

"India A gives me exposure and the chance to face some really good bowlers," he says. The right-hander did his chances of getting an extended run in India's reserve squad no harm with a sparkling performance on a cold and windy Sunday in the Capital.

The 27-year-old played an instrumental part in India A's victory over England in the sole warm-up match. Jadhav's aggressive 52 helped India A set up a stiff total in a match marred by bad light, which reduced the contest to 39 overs per side.

India A already had got off to a good start with openers and state-mates, Abhinav Mukund and Murali Vijay, putting on 118 runs in just 23 overs. In the 39-over contest, Jadhav came in to bat at number three and in the company of Vijay added 32 runs in as many balls. Jadhav later shifted gears as he clubbed the English bowlers all over the Model Sports Complex ground. The right-hander's unbeaten 52 was studded with six boundaries and helped India A reach 224 for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 39 overs.

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