Sarfaraz Khan made the most of the opportunity bestowed on him by scoring a fine half-century on Day 1 of third India vs England Test match at the newly renamed Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. While India lost three early wickets and it seemed like Sarfaraz would come out to bat, local hero Ravindra Jadeja was promoted up the order and he shared a double hundred stand with Indian captain Rohit Sharma for the fourth wicket.
However, ultimately when Rohit fell, it was time for Sarfaraz to take centre stage. The Mumbai batter took to Test cricket like a fish to water after years of domestic cricket on Indian pitched and scored a 48-ball half-century. He received a standing ovation from his family who was there at the stadium on his special day and the video of the same has gone viral on social media.
Take a look at the video here:
Jadeja, Rohit Sharma Bail India Out Of Trouble In IND vs ENG 3rd Test
While India were off to a nightmarish start after being reduced to 33/3, hundred from Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja each led their recovery. However, it was an error in judgement from Jadeja that ultimately led to Sarfaraz Khan's run out for 62 off 66 deliveries. Jadeja initially said yes to a run on 99, Sarfaraz responded to the call from his partner who wanted to bring up his hundred but the senior partner said no later at a point in time where the Mumbai batter had already committed himself to the run. Even though Sarfaraz did try to reach back to his crease, a direct hit at the non-strikers' end meant end of the first-ever innings for Sarfaraz in international cricket.