After years of grind in domestic cricket, Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan finally made his Test debut for India. The 25-year-old received his maiden Test cap from the legendary Anil Kumble in the team huddle ahead of the third Test against England in Rajkot on Thursday (February 15).
Sarfaraz’s father, Naushad Khan, was unable to control his tears as his son became the 311th player to represent India in Test cricket.
Naushad was present at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium and he watched the cap presentation ceremony of his son from close quarters.
Young wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel also made his India debut and was awarded the Test cap along with Sarfaraz. Jurel replaced KS Bharat in India’s XI as the latter failed to produce runs in the first two Tests.
India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first in the third Test, with the series level at 1-1 after two matches.
"Rajkot is supposed to be a good pitch. It is a good toss for us to win to bat first and put runs on the board," said Rohit, highlighting the importance of setting a solid foundation in the match.
In the absence of KL Rahul (quadriceps injury), India introduced Sarfaraz Khan into the line-up, rewarding his impressive domestic performances over the last few years.
In the bowling department, right-arm quick Mohammed Siraj and spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made their returns to the playing XI, while Mukesh Kumar and Akshar Patel were left out of the line-up.
India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
