Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja has found himself in an unwanted record in Test cricket. The Indian bowler has bowled the most number of no balls amongst all the other spinners since 2021. As per the latest statistics, Jadeja has bowled as many as 84 no balls in Test matches. This year, which is significantly more than his fellow Pakistani counterpart Noman Ali who has bowled 40 no balls and Sri Lankan Lasith Embuldeniya with 33 no balls. England’s Jack Leach has bowled 19 while the West Indian Jomel Warrican and Pakistani Zahid Khan have each bowled 17 no balls. Interestingly, Jadeja is one of the most accurate bowlers in Test cricket and this kind of record, looks extremely unusual for a player who is so disciplined with his bowling lengths.

Ravindra Jadeja delivered a strong all-round performance in India’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

With the ball, the left-arm spinner claimed 3/57 in 21 overs, helping India bowl Sri Lanka out for 284 and secure a 178-run first-innings lead. His most significant moment came when he dismissed Keshara Nuwantha to complete 350 Test wickets, making him only the fifth Indian bowler to reach the landmark. Jadeja’s performance was even more significant because he also entered an elite all-rounders’ club by combining 4,000-plus Test runs with 350 wickets. He dismissed Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva for 21 and consistently kept the batters under pressure alongside debutant Manav Suthar, who took four wickets. Jadeja’s contribution with both bat and ball helped India maintain a commanding position in Galle.

India dominate Sri Lanka after strong batting and bowling display in Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle

India produced a largely commanding performance against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle, establishing control through a strong first-innings batting display and disciplined bowling. After choosing to bat first, India posted 462, with Devdutt Padikkal leading the way with a magnificent 167 in his maiden Test century. KL Rahul added 82 after returning from a cramps-related injury scare, while Dhruv Jurel contributed a valuable 51. Rishabh Pant also scored 39, helping India build a substantial total despite Sri Lanka’s spinners making an impact late in the innings.

India’s bowlers then strengthened their grip on the contest by dismissing Sri Lanka for 284, securing a crucial 178-run first-innings lead. Manav Suthar was outstanding on his Test debut, taking 4/76, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed three wickets and completed his 350th Test wicket, joining an elite group of Indian bowlers. India’s second innings was less convincing, as they were bowled out for 193, but Rishabh Pant’s aggressive 66 and Padikkal’s 44 helped push the overall lead to 371. Pant also became the first Indian batter to reach 100 Test sixes. Sri Lanka were set 372 and had reached 74/4, leaving India strongly placed with the hosts still requiring 298 runs.