Matthew Wade's sledging helped Ravindra Jadeja deliver Man of the Match performance

Dharamsala: Australia wicketkeeper Matthew Wade’s sledging from behind the stumps motivated all-rounder Ravidra Jadeja to produce a Man of the Match performance against Australia in the Dharamsala Test.

The southpaw took four wickets, and also scored a crucial 63 in India’s first innings of the Dharamsala Test, to help the home side clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1.

Jadeja had come in to bat, at a time, when India were struggling at 221 for six, in their first innings; they were still trailing Australia by 79 runs. However, the 28-year-old put up a 96-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha, to take India to a commanding position.

“When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great,” said Jadeja during the post match presentation ceremony.

“Coaches and captain have been telling me I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall,” he said. “Some time ago people didn't consider me a Test bowler. This season is a good response to them.”

When asked about his bowling partnership with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja said that the spin twins have been so successful, because they have the ability to maintain pressure from both the ends.

“Ashwin and I maintain pressure from both ends. The variation of off spinner and left-arm spinner also works well. Hopefully we can continue this outside India too. I will try to get to a hundred next time, and celebrate with two bats as swords," concluded Jadeja.