London, Sept 9: Making a comeback into the Indian team, Ravindra Jadeja was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match despite India’s loss the third ODI here at The Oval.

The Saurashtra player replaced Gautam Gambhir in the injury-ridden Indian side and performed well under difficult circumstances in the first opportunity presented to him. Having scoring 78 runs, the young all-rounder was involved in a 112-run partnership with skipper MS Dhoni. He then returned to claim the key wickets of Craig Kieswetter and Tim Bresnan, more than justifying his selection to the squad.

In the post-match media-interaction, Jadeja spoke about his performance and what it means to represent the country at the highest level.

Excerpts:

On his batting

When I went in to bat, I was trying to play my natural game. [I told myself,] ‘Don’t do any silly things, just look for singles and doubles.’

On batting with skipper MS Dhoni

Mahi bahi just kept telling me to play straight. [There was] very good bounce on the wicket so I was just trying to play straight.

On whether he enjoyed bowling on the Oval pitch

When I was batting, Graeme Swann was turning the ball so I was thinking that if I bowl slow, then I can also get the turn. So I was also trying to bowl slow.

On the opportunity to play for India

Playing for India is a big honour. I [will] just keep working hard and trying my best.