Jadeja hails Suthar's 'dream ball' as India dominates Galle Test

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja praised young spinner Manav Suthar's bowling on day three of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Jadeja described Suthar's first delivery of his spell, which took the wicket of veteran Dinesh Chandimal, as a "left-arm spinner's dream ball." The delivery exhibited sharp turn and bounce, finding the hands of wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Suthar's four-wicket haul, combined with Jadeja's milestone of 350 Test wickets, marked the highlights of a spin-dominated third day. Sri Lanka showed resilience with a fighting knock from Niroshan Dickwella and a maiden Test century from Sonal Dinusha. However, the Indian spinners ultimately contained their efforts.

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The ball that was coming out of your hand was the very first ball. Actually, it was a very high-quality ball (that dismissed Chandimal). As a left-arm spinner, I watch a lot of things on TV. But the live experience that I had, the first ball that came out of the hand and the revs on the ball, after seeing that, I felt that I got to see a proper left-arm spinner's dream ball.

Jadeja, speaking in a video posted on the BCCI's official website, elaborated on the quality of Suthar's delivery. He noted the significant turn and revolutions on the ball, stating it was a prime example of what a left-arm spinner aspires to achieve. Suthar congratulated Jadeja on his achievement, placing him among the most successful spinners in Test history.

Despite Dinusha's century and a 146-run partnership with Dickwella for the sixth wicket, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 284 in their first innings, trailing India's 462 by 178 runs. Prasidh Krishna eventually dismissed Dickwella for 80, while Suthar finished with figures of 4/76 and Jadeja took 3/57, limiting Sri Lanka's scoring potential.

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My mindset was that when they were bowling in the first inning, I felt that the ball was spinning from the front as well. So, it was not so easy for the batsman that you can go and easily defend every ball. And like, on every spinner's ball, something or the other thing. Batters were getting beat up and down. It was turning. So, I was trying to put more of a stump line, and bowl to the lefties from round the wicket.