Mohali, Nov 7: As India thrashed South Africa by 109 runs on the third day of their first Test match at Mohali, it couldn't have been a better comeback for left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. (India thrash South Africa by 108 runs in Mohali Test)

Jadeja, who was playing his a Test match after a gap of almost 14 months, was adjudged the man of the match for his brilliant bowling performance in both the innings and a crucial knock of 38 runs in the first innings.

Ind-SA series photos" title="Day 2 report; Ind-SA series photos" />Day 2 report; Ind-SA series photos

The leg spinner bagged 5 wickets in the second innings, thus playing a crucial role in Team India's 7th successive Test victory at home.

The Saurashtra bowler also had 3 scalps to his name in the first innings. Thus taking the total figures to 8 wickets in the match, his best bowling numbers in Test so far.

The left-arm spinner, who was playing his 13th Test, also completed his 50 wickets in Test and equalled Pragyan Ojha's record of taking as many wickets in equal no. of games.

Jadeja also contributed from the bat in the first innings by scoring crucial 38 runs. It was also the second highest individual total from the Indian batters in the first innings in the match, highest being Murali Vijay's 75.

Jadeja gave India its first breakthrough, when Team India came out to defend its target of 218 runs to the South Africans. He was included in the Test squad after his impressive all-round performance in the domestic circuit.

The Saurashtra all-rounder, was under severe criticism for consistently failing to perform with the bat and his critics were accusing the then Skipper MS Dhoni of giving him preference over other deserving players.

But, his performance in his comeback Test will certainly give him more confidence for the crucial series against Proteas and also add more teeth to the Indian spin attack.

OneIndia News