'When you have so many runs behind you in first-class..' - Parthiv Patel lauds Sarfaraz Khan's fearless batting on Test debut

Sarfaraz Khan made a blazing entry into Test cricket against England in the third Test at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot and has earned a commendation from Parthiv Patel. Patel, who represented India in 25 Tests from 2002 to 2018, lauded Sarfaraz for his fearless approach on debut. On the opening day, Sarfaraz, batting at No.6, smashed a 48-ball half-century as he amassed 62 runs off 66 deliveries, embellished with nine boundaries and one six. 

His crucial partnership of 77 runs with Ravindra Jadeja for the fifth wicket bolstered India's stance, as they concluded the day at 326 for 5 in 86 overs. The former India wicketkeeper-batter acknowledged Sarfaraz's adeptness and attributed it to his extensive experience in first-class cricket, a promising sign for the youngster's journey in the longer format.

"Without a doubt, it was India's day, the way Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma batted, but the day will be in Sarfaraz Khan's name. It was a very long wait. You got a chance to play Test cricket after scoring so many runs, and the way you batted. We spoke about how nervous he would be and whether he would have butterflies in his stomach," Patel said on Colors Cineplex.

"However, Sarfaraz said he had no such butterflies, he struck the fastest half-century on debut. There cannot be a bigger testimony than this for any batter. When you have so many runs behind you in first-class cricket, all these things don't matter. You have to get slightly used to the pressure of playing Test cricket but Sarfaraz showed that you can bat like this if you have a full idea about your game," he added.

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Ravindra Jadeja’s wrong call cost Sarfaraz’s wicket 

In the midst of Sarfaraz's promising innings, the flame was extinguished in an unfortunate run-out at the non-striker's end. England's Mark Wood executed a precise direct hit, providing a sigh of relief for the visitors as he departed. The dismissal unfolded when Ravindra Jadeja initiated a call for a single, only to retract in hesitation. However, the reversal in decision came too late for the Mumbai batter, who found himself short of the crease when the bails were dislodged. The episode marked a turning point, cutting short what seemed to be a burgeoning innings for Sarfaraz.

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