India's maiden Test squad is currently playing an intra-squad match against India A in Beckenham.
While the Mumbai batter entertained with a 76-ball 101, ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah had a quiet outing, failing to claim a wicket in his seven-over spell.
India A ended the second day at 299/6 in reply to India's 459, with Ishan Kishan and Shardul Thakur staying unbeaten on 45 and 19 respectively.
However, Sarfaraz stole the show with his explosive ton, studded with 15 fours and two sixes. He was eventually retired out to give others a hit in the middle — a tactical move that didn’t diminish the impact of his knock.
Sarfaraz’s latest hundred strengthens his reputation in English conditions. He had earlier slammed 92 against England Lions in an unofficial Test match, exhibiting his skills ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds.
Earlier in the innings, India A lost Ruturaj Gaikwad for a two-ball duck to Mohammed Siraj, caught behind by Rishabh Pant. But Abhimanyu Easwaran (39) and Sai Sudharsan (38) — both part of the main Test squad — provided some stability.
Among the Indian bowlers, Siraj (2/86) and Prasidh Krishna (2/41) made notable contributions, while Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed one wicket. However, pace spearhead Bumrah failed to make an impact, conceding 36 runs in his seven overs. Arshdeep Singh (0/52 in 12 overs) also went wicketless.
India’s batting on Day 1 was anchored by half-centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, who looked fluent in the middle as the team gears up for the England Test challenge.