Sarfaraz Khan shows what India were missing in third Test against England

15.02.2024 - 14:51 thenationalnews.com

India captain Rohit Sharma scored a fine century; all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja got promoted up the order after an early collapse and he also reached three figures on Thursday.

But for India, the hero of the day was debutant Sarfaraz Khan. The 26-year-old hit 62 from just 66 balls on the opening day of the third Test against England in Rajkot, helping the hosts reach 326-5 and take control of the match.

And as good as his short yet entertaining innings was, it still did not match the toil behind the journey to his debut. Sarfaraz had been overlooked by successive selection committees for red-ball cricket.

He was not given a chance despite averaging over 80 in first-class cricket since 2020, to go with his career average of 70. He was perceived as not being fit enough for international cricket, while his weakness against high-quality pace was also talked about.

cricket India Cricket Testing show UPS Ball Test Rohit Sharma England Cricket Tom Hartley India county Grant

Devdutt Padikkal is likely to make his debut for the Indian cricket team in the fifth Test match against England in Dharamsala starting March 7, according to Hindustan Times. The report claimed that with KL Rahul ruled out due to injury and Rajat Patidar not scoring runs in the past couple of matches, the team management is all set to include the left-handed batter in the playing XI. It also quoted a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source who said that the team management also want to have a look at Padikkal as it is the last international game for Team India ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Watch: Sarfaraz Khan Takes Acrobatic Catch In Ranchi Test. Celebration Is Viral

Sarfaraz Khan pulled off an acrobatic catch and then followed it with a celebration that has gone viral on Day 3 of the fourth Test match between India and England in Ranchi on Sunday. During England's second innings, Tom Hartley decided to attack Kuldeep Yadav and he slammed a delivery straight towards deep mid-on. The connection was not that great and Sarfaraz had to dive forward and complete a challenging catch. The youngster was extremely pleased with his effort and after completing the tough catch, he turned towards the crowd and blew a kiss in the air.

"Hero Nahi Banne Ka" - Rohit Sharma Schools Sarfaraz Khan For This Reason - Watch

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma schooled youngster Sarfaraz Khan for not wearing a helmet while fielding at silly point on Day 3 of the fourth Test match against England in Ranchi on Sunday. With Shoaib Bashir at the crease, Rohit wanted Sarfaraz to field at silly point to put pressure on the batter but the fielder took his position without a helmet. Rohit was quick to point out that he cannot field at such a dangerous position without a helmet as he said - "Aye bhai, hero nahi banne ka (hey brother, don't be a hero here)". The 12th man soon gave Sarfaraz a helmet as play resumed.

Rohit Sharma Completes 4000 Test Runs During Fourth Test Against England

Rohit Sharma completed his 4000 Test runs during the second innings of the fourth Test against England at JSCA International Stadium Complex on Sunday as he came out to bat during the 192-run chase. In the first innings, Rohit could not score much and was dismissed for just two while in the second innings, he is unbeaten at 24*. Rohit has not been able to capitalise on the starts that he has got in the series so far. In the four matches so far he has scored 266 runs at an average of 38 and at a strike rate of 65.35 with one century (131 in Rajkot). In 58 Tests, Rohit has scored 4,003 runs at an average of 44.97, with the best score of 212. He has smashed 11 centuries and 16 fifties in 100 innings. Coming to the match, India ended their day at 40/0, with skipper Rohit Sharma (24*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (16*) unbeaten with 152 runs more to win the five-match series.

India close in on series victory against England after spinners wreak havoc in Ranchi

India are closing in on a fourth Test and series victory over England after the home side's spinners wreaked havoc on Day 4 in Ranchi.

Jurel 90 powers India to 307 all out against England

RANCHI, India : Dhruv Jurel led India's spirited rearguard action with a brilliant 90 before the hosts were all out for 303 at lunch replying to England's first innings total of 353 on day three of the fourth test on Sunday.