India, July 4 -- Ravindra Jadeja has never been one to go by the book. On Day 2 of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, the Indian all-rounder quietly breached the BCCI's post-Australia tour protocol that prohibits players from travelling to the ground separately. Yet, far from a disciplinary concern, Jadeja's decision came with a clear intent: to walk out early, face extra deliveries in the nets, and prepare for the new ball threat he was about to face.

"Somewhere I felt that I should go and bat extra because the ball was still new," Jadeja explained after the day's play, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

"I felt if I can see the new ball off, it would become easy for the rest of the innings. Luckily I could bat till lunch, and then ...