Sarfaraz Khan slams half-century on India debut in 3rd Test vs England

Young India wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Khan on Thursday scored his maiden Test half century on his senior India debut on Day 1 of the third Test against England in Rajkot. Sarfaraz, having come into bat at number six, got to the milestone in 48 deliveries, having scored seven fours and one six.

Sarfaraz was eventually dismissed for 62 following a mixup with Ravindra Jadeja in the 82nd over. Sarfaraz had come into this match on the back of some impressive performances for India A against England Lions, where he scored a century and two fifties. Sarfaraz’s knock consisted of nine fours and one six in total.

India have a new-look middle order for this Test. With KL Rahul out injured and Shreyas Iyer dropped, this presents an opportunity for fringe players like Sarfaraz, Rajat Patidar and Dhruv Jurel to make a mark.

India had got off to a shaky start after opting to bat and were restricted to 33/3. But Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the ship with a 20-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rohit was dismissed for 131 by Mark Wood in the 6th over whereas Ravindra Jadeja remains unbeaten on 110. The collective performance from Rohit, Jadeja and Sarfaraz led India to 326/5 at stumps on Day 1. The five-match series is level 1-1 after two Test matches in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.