‘He Had The Courage To Go…’: Sarfaraz Khan Gets Heavy Praises From Paul Collingwood For Gutsy Innings In IND vs ENG 3rd Test

England's assistant coach Paul Collingwood praised debutant Sarfaraz Khan for his aggressive innings of 62 in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test in Rajkot.

Sarfaraz Khan during his half century on test debut during day one of the 3rd Test Match between India and England at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on February 15, 2024 in Rajkot, India.

Sarfaraz Khan has garnered significant praise for his entertaining innings against England on February 15 (Thursday). Among those commending him is Paul Collingwood, England's assistant coach, who expressed admiration for the debutant's performance in the 3rd IND vs ENG Test of the ongoing five-match series. Collingwood lauded Sarfaraz Khan for his assertive innings of 62, which played a crucial role in India's total score of 326-5 on the opening day of the 3rd Test in Rajkot.

Collingwood acknowledged Sarfaraz's display of courage in playing with such assertiveness, particularly given that it was his debut match. The right-handed batter notably reached his fifty off just 48 balls, marking the joint fastest fifty by an Indian on debut.

“He came out and batted really well. We kept attacking fields to him. He likes to be a strokemaker and play his shots,” Collingwood said in the press-conference after Day 1 of the 3rd IND vs ENG Test.

'He Sweeps Really Well'

Collingwood highlighted Sarfaraz's effective use of footwork against the spinners and his diverse range of shots, creating pressure on the visitors. Even when faced with an attacking field set by Ben Stokes, the debutant right-hander demonstrated no hesitation in playing shots over the top despite being new to the crease.

“He sweeps really well and put the bowlers under pressure. On debut, it take as a lot of courage to come out and play like that. I guess from his point of view, it was a shame to get run out the way he did. You can see why he has got a pretty good first-class average — he looks a decent player,” said the former England player.

“I thought Ben (Stokes) wanted to keep attacking fields so we could create a chance. And fairplay to him (Sarfaraz), he had the courage to go over the top on a few occasions.”

Hundreds By Jadeja And Rohit Each Put India Ahead Of England In IND vs ENG 3rd Test

Coming to the 3rd IND vs ENG Test, India encountered a challenging start to their innings after opting to bat, finding themselves at 33-3 within 9 overs. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in stabilising the innings, forming a partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. Sharma's notable performance resulted in a century, accumulating 131 runs. Sarfaraz Khan, entered the crease at number four, displayed an aggressive approach against the England bowlers, achieving his fifty in just 48 balls. Jadeja also made a significant contribution, scoring an unbeaten century with 110 runs. As the day concluded, India reached a total of 326-5 after 96 overs in the third Test against England.