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Former Australian captain Steve Smith named all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as Indian team's most annoying player a few weeks ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024. Smith rates Jadeja highly for his ability to make an impact in the game by his batting, bowling and fielding.
"I get annoyed by Jadeja on the field, just because he is a very good player. He always finds a way to get in the battle, whether it is scoring runs, taking wickets, or making a great catch. It can be a bit annoying at times, but he's a very good player,” said Smith speaking to Star Sports.
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood agreed with Smith's observation when he was asked to name the player he is most annoyed by in the Indian team. Hazlewood replied by saying "Jadeja again".
Jadeja’s record against Australia
The spin-bowling all-rounder has played 17 Tests against Australia scoring 570 runs at an average of 28.50 including five half-centuries. With the ball, he has been menacing against the Australia taking 89 wickets including five five-wicket hauls. However, his record on Australian soil isn't too impressive with 14 wickets from four Tests. The left-arm spinner is yet to get a five-wicket haul on Australian soil.
Head, Labuschagne and Lyon’s different picks
Meanwhile, Australia’s in-form batter Travis Head picked Virat Kohli as the player he finds most annoying for his ability to score runs quickly.
"I think a lot of people would say Virat, just because of how good he is. He is always getting runs, and his high energy is always there. He is always into you."
Marnus Labuschagne didn’t call annoying but said wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant as someone who gets triggered by.
"Triggered. I am going to save that for later, otherwise, I will have a whole bunch of Indian players coming after me. But the one I always find the most amusing is. He's always funny, a great laugh, and plays the game in the right spirit," Labuschagne said.
Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon was witty with his answer as he said that he gets “triggered by all Indian players”.
The Test series will begin on November 22 at Perth Stadium. Australia have not won a series at home against India at home for two seasons.
