In the first Test of the series at Nottingham, Ravindra Jadeja was picked over Ravichandran Ashwin as India employed the strategy of utilizing four pace bowlers. Although Jadeja didn’t bowl quite as much and hence, failed to pick up a wicket, he was sensational with the bat. The all-rounder played a crucial knock of 56 in the first innings which helped India stretch its lead to 95 runs after the heavyweights – Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane – failed to fire.

Team India were firmly in the driver’s seat at Nottingham and requiring 157 runs on the final day with nine wickets in hand, a big win was on the cards.

However, the weather Gods intervened as the match ended in a draw. The team now readies itself for the second Test which begins on August 12 at the iconic Lord’s Stadium in London. Jadeja believes that India has the balance and the competitive edge necessary to win the series in England.

“Yes, as we have been in the UK since the last two months, it’s been a good preparation time for us. Especially in the English condition, people get ready and prepared for the Test series. So, we had enough time before this series.

“I think the last time we played; we were a bit unlucky (2018). But we have a very good balanced team, and an all-rounder team. We have good fast-bowlers, spinners and good batsmen. Plus, everyone is young in the team, so I think we have a good chance this time to win this series in England,” he said.

Ravindra Jadeja’s game has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few years. From being an irregular member of the squad to consolidating himself as a primary fixture in the starting XI, Jadeja has become the backbone of the Indian side in all three formats. The key behind it has been his confidence and self-belief.

“I have changed nothing majorly in my skills. Generally, I look to believe in myself. Nowadays when I get a chance to bat or bowl, I believe in myself and look to give everything I have. That’s the difference between the past and now.

Before the game, I just focus on my skill, what I can do better and what I can improve more, whether it’s batting, bowling or fielding,” Jadeja was quoted by ANI as saying.

“I look to just improve game by game. I don’t change too much before the game. I just back myself and believe in myself,” he added.