Trott credits Ajay Jadeja for Afghanistan's power show in World Cup

Afghanistan's success in WC due to Ajay Jadeja's mentorship; Trott lauds him for keeping team in high spirits. His presence made job easier. Pitch re-laid at Ekana stadium, nullifying home advantage. Afghans have won against big teams, ready for Dutch challenge.

Afghanistan’s seminal performance in the ongoing World Cup that helped them toss away the ‘minnows’ tag has a lot to do with the appointment of Ajay Jadeja as their mentor, reckons head coach Jonathan Trott.

The Afghans have toppled defending champions England, former champions Pakistan and Bangladesh to garner six points in the tournament so far.

It is a position from which they can dream of a place in the World Cup semifinals and a Champions Trophy berth in 2025.

Trott lavished praise on Jadeja for keeping the team in high spirits.

“I think Ajay brings a lot of experience having played a lot of cricket in India. He's always a good sounding board with regards to conditions, venues and also the other subcontinent teams that we've played against,” Trott said in the pre-match press meet here on November 2.

The former England batsman said having Jadeja on the board during a high-pressure event made his job a bit easier.

“As for myself as a coach…as a good sounding board with decision making and sort of planning going forward for each game.