India vs England: Ravindra Jadeja doubtful for second Test in Vizag due to hamstring injury, says report

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could be doubtful for the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam after having sustained a hamstring niggle on Day four of the first Test in Hyderabad. Jadeja was dismissed for just two runs during India’s run chase, courtesy a run-out from Ben Stokes. India lost the first Test by 28 runs on Sunday.

Following the run-out dismissal, Jadeja seemed to have pulled his hamstring and walked off the pitch. However, India head coach Rahul Dravid didn’t’ reveal much information on the extent of the injury.

IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes and Co give hosts a reality check as ‘Bazball’ announces itself in India in style

“We’ll see. I honestly haven’t had a chance to speak to the physio as yet. Once I get back, I’ll speak to him and see what it is about,” Dravid said at the post-match press conference.

According to news agency PTI, it is still not known if Ravindra Jadeja would travel with the rest of the team to Vizag or head to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Even if the injury is just a strain and not a tear, it could still be advisable for Jadeja to be rested for at least a week. Having said that, the turnaround between the first and second Tests is short, with not even a week separating the two matches.

Jadeja had also missed the first Test against South Africa in Centurion in December 2023 after he had complained of a back spasm on the morning of the Test.

In the first innings of the Test in Hyderabad, Jadeja had helped India post a total of 436 with a magnificent knock of 87. India were set a target of 231 in Hyderabad on Sunday. Ollie Pope’s century was the big difference for England in the second innings, as he helped England post 420 on the board and set India a challenging target.  However, spinner Tom Hartley proved too good for the hosts as he starred with figures of 7/62 to dismiss India for 202.

The second Tet will begin in Vizag from 2 February.