Extra batting practice sought as Jadeja heads early to Edgbaston

Ravindra Jadeja said he arrived early at Edgbaston on Day 2 to get in some extra batting before play began. India were 310 for 5 overnight on a pitch still good for batting, but with the second new ball only five overs old, the morning session needed careful navigation. Jadeja and captain Shubman Gill did just that, stretching their partnership from 99 to 203.

"Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new," Jadeja said after stumps, having fallen 11 short of a fifth Test century. "I felt if I can see the new ball off, it would become easy for the rest of the innings. Luckily I could [almost] bat till lunch, and then Washi[ngton Sundar] also batted well with Shubman. The more you bat in England, the better it is because you never feel you are set in England. At any time a ball can swing and take your edge or bowl you."

Jadeja's admission of having travelled independently to the ground might appear to clash with the BCCI's SOPs, which instruct players to travel with the team. However, such exceptions are allowed with prior approval from the head coach and the chairman of selectors. "All players are expected to travel with the team to and from matches and practice sessions. Separate travel arrangements with families are discouraged to maintain discipline and team cohesion. Exceptions, if any, must be pre approved by the head coach and Chairman of the Selection Committee," the SOP reads.

After getting stuck with the lower order during India's twin collapses at Headingley, Jadeja got a chance to bat with a