IND vs ENG 3rd Test: The talented youngster Sarfaraz Khan, after years of dedication and a recent surge of runs in domestic cricket, finally earned his debut for the Indian cricket team on Thursday, February 15. The 26-year-old Mumbaikar received the Test cap from former India skipper Anil Kumble ahead of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot, Gujarat.
Regular keeper-batter KL Rahul, who was playing as a middle-order batter in the ongoing Test series, sustained an injury during the second Test. This injury paved the way for Sarfaraz's inclusion in the India squad for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot.
During the cap presentation ceremony, as Indian players gathered in a huddle shortly before the toss, Sarfaraz's father, Naushad Khan, stood at a distance, overwhelmed with emotions as tears streamed down his face.
Watch below viral pictures of Sarfaraz Khan's father getting emotional as his son makes Test debut for the national team in Rajkot
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel was also awarded his debut Test cap alongside Sarfaraz. Jurel comes in to replace KS Bharat, who has struggled to find form and produce runs.
With the series tied at 1-1, England's captain Ben Stokes marks his 100th Test appearance. India introduced Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel for their debuts, while England made a change by bringing back pacer Mark Wood in place of young spinner Shoaib Bashir.
India playing 11: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
England playing 11: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson.