Ravindra Jadeja Heads Early to Edgbaston for Extra Batting Practice

Ravindra Jadeja arrived early at Edgbaston on Day 2 to get in some extra batting practice before play began. India were 310 for 5 overnight, with the second new ball only five overs old, requiring careful navigation in the morning session. Jadeja and captain Shubman Gill successfully stretched their partnership from 99 to 203.

"I felt I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new," Jadeja said. "I felt if I could see the new ball off, it would become easy for the rest of the innings. Luckily I could almost bat till lunch, and then Washington Sundar also batted well with Shubman."

Jadeja's admission of traveling independently to the ground might seem to clash with the BCCI's SOPs, but exceptions are allowed with prior approval from the head coach and chairman of selectors.

After getting stuck with the lower order during India's twin collapses at Headingley, Jadeja got a chance to bat with a well-set batter in Gill and show off his own batting standards, helping India post a mammoth total of 587.

"From 210 for 5 to put together a big partnership to take the team forward, it is a challenge," Jadeja said. "I took it as a challenge. If you can stick around with the captain and put together a big partnership, it gives you confidence as a cricketer and a batter that in the coming matches also you can contribute."

The stand wasn't without its flashpoints, with Jadeja drawing the ire of England captain Ben Stokes, who complained to the umpires about him running into the danger area after front-foot shots.

Looking ahead, India's bowling group, including two spinners, will need help from the pitch to force a result.