Sarfaraz Khan's debut in the third India vs England Test was the most talked about subjest on Day 1 in Rajkot. The Mumbai batter is one of the most consistent performers in Indian domestic circuit and yet he had to wait for long for his international debut. However, when it happenned, he looked set to play a big knock. He came in with India four down and Ravindra Jadeja batting in his 80s at the other end. Sarfaraz, however, did not show any nerves and dealt in boundaries.
Watch: Rohit Disgusted As On Song Sarfaraz Departs After Mix-up With Jadeja
In his debut innings, Sarfaraz Khan reached the 50-mark in just 48 balls with a fabulous strike-rate. But when he was on 62 off 65 balls, a terrible mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja saw him get run out.
It happened in an over by James Anderson. Ravindra Jadeja, batting in his 90s, had gone into a shell and drove to mid-on before calling for a single. Realising that a fielder was approaching, he turned down the call but by then Sarfaraz Khan was too far away from the crease.
Sarfaraz looked disappointed and Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma could be seen throwing his cap in frustration in the dressing room.
After the day's play, former Indian cricket team captain and coach Anil Kumble was asked about the dismissal.
"Sarfaraz was dominating in that partnership. Jadeja, I thought had got into a shell, that sometimes creates a mindset where you are not clear about the decision making. And maybe that was one of the reasons and possibly I passed on my bad luck of getting run out on debut because I got run out on my debut. But at least he got 65 (Sarfaraz scored 62) more," Anil Kumble said on Jio Cinema.
Talking about the match, the formidable partnership of 204 runs between captain Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja firmly placed India in control on Day 1 of the ongoing third Test against England here at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.
At stumps, India's score read 326/5 with Ravindra Jadeja (110) and Kuldeep Yadav (1) standing unbeaten at the crease.
Rohit hushed all doubters about his form in Test cricket on the opening day of the third Test against England, slamming a tumultuous 131 off 196 balls in a spectacular start to India's innings. After the captain's departure, Sarfaraz Khan spiced up a solid day for the hosts slamming a spectacular 62 off 66 deliveries.
The England pacer, with his twin strikes, and Tom Hartley, with one scalp, dented India's opening before a solid 204-run partnership between captain and Jadeja brought the hosts back in the game.
After Tea, India started their session at 185/3 with Rohit (97* runs from 154 balls) and Jadeja (68* runs from 126 balls) firmly standing at the crease.