Sarfaraz Khan: Nick Knight, Irfan Pathan and Alastair Cook react to Indian batter's impressive debut

Sarfaraz Khan announced his arrival to the international stage in style, with a 66-ball knock of 62 on Day 1 of the third Test against England in Rajkot on Thursday. Sarfaraz was making his senior India debut on Thursday and it was an even memorable occasion for the 26-year-old cricketer who received his Test cap from the legendary Anil Kumble.

Sarfaraz would go onto forge a 77-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket before being run-out at the non-strikers’ end.

Also read | Sarfaraz Khan First Impressions — Solid technique and brave batting

Former England cricketer Nick Knight termed Sarfaraz’s knock as “special” and said the youngster batted as though if it was just another Ranji Trophy match.

“I thought it was really special. I mean, when you get the chance to go up a level to play test match cricket, you might have played A team cricket. Your nerves are there. You had to sit and wait for four hours with his pads on to get his chance, albeit on a flat surface.”

“To go out there and play as if it is a Ranji Trophy game as if it is just another game which is actually what he’s done. It’s great credit to his character the way he looks about the game,” Knight said on JioCinema.

Also read | Naushad Khan on son Sarfaraz’s memorable international debut at Rajkot

“It’s also great credit to Ranji Trophy cricket, the player who’s done so well and been promoted from the domestic game to come in and play like this says a lot about the Ranji Trophy, but yeah,” he added.

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa hoped this was just the start of what’s to come in Sarfaraz’s career.

Woah! In a flash, Sarfaraz sprints to a 50 on his debut!