IND v ENG 2024: “Playing such a shot…,” Gavaskar critical of Sarfaraz’s dismissal in 5th Test; recalls Don Bradman's advice

Sarfaraz Khan threw away a golden opportunity to score his potential maiden Test ton.

Sarfaraz Khan | GettyFormer Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was not one bit pleased with the shot selection of young Sarfaraz Khan, which led to his dismissal on the first ball after tea during the second day’s play in the fifth Test against England in Dharamsala.

Sarfaraz, who was well settled at 56 and had stitched a 97-run stand with debutant Devdutt Padikkal, threw away a golden opportunity to score his potential maiden Test century.

The right-hander tried to execute a late cut off Shoaib Bashir on the first ball post tea and was caught at slip by Joe Root.

Sarfaraz’s dismissal prompted the Gavaskar to recall the legendary Sir Don Bradman's million-dollar advice on never to get complacent even if you are batting on 200.

"The ball was pitched up; it wasn't short enough for that shot. Goes for it and pays the price. I mean you are playing the first ball after tea. Give yourself a little sighter. Don Bradman said to me 'Every ball that I face, even if I am on 200, I think I am on 0.' And here is [Sarfaraz] is… playing such a shot first ball of the session," Gavaskar said while commentating.

Sarfaraz’s dismissal also triggered a collapse as slipped from 376/3 to 428/8, losing quick five wickets in a span of 54 runs.

However, Shubman Gill (110) and Rohit Sharma’s (103) centuries meant that India ended the second day on 473/8, leading England by 255 runs in the first innings. At stumps, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah were unbeaten in the middle on 27 and 19 respectively.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 08 Mar, 2024

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