Experienced Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has apologized on the regrettable mix-up between himself and debutant Sarfaraz Khan during Day 1 of the 3rd Test versus England. Spearheading India’s batting effort on Thursday, Jadeja partnered with Sarfaraz after Captain Rohit Sharma revitalized the host’s innings with a record-breaking century. While Jadeja and Rohit showcased their prowess by reaching centuries in Rajkot, Sarfaraz captured the admiration of many with his spectacular performance against Ben Stokes and company in this pivotal match.
Jadeja declined the quick single after calling for it as Sarfaraz signaled for it, resulting in mid-on fielder Mark Wood executing a direct hit that concluded the debutant’s entertaining innings. Following India’s commendable total on Day 1, Jadeja expressed his sympathy for Sarfaraz on Instagram. (WATCH: Rohit Sharma Devastated As Sarfaraz Khan Gets Runout On Test Debut)
The seasoned all-rounder also took complete accountability for the run-out. “Feeling remorseful for @SarfarazKhan97, it was my misjudgment. Well played,” Jadeja shared on Instagram Stories.
England assistant coach Paul Collingwood on Thursday heaped praise on debutant Sarfaraz Khan, whose aggressive 62 allowed India to score 326 for five on day one of the third Test. Collingwood said Sarfaraz showed a “lot of courage to play like that” after the right-handed batsman smashed his fifty off 48 balls, the joint fastest by an Indian on debut.
Ravindra Jadeja apologizing to Sarfaraz Khan. pic.twitter.com/9QlW5CuWin Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 15, 2024
“He came out and batted really well. We kept attacking fields to him. He likes to be a strokemaker and play his shots,” Collingwood told the media after stumps here.
“I thought Ben (Stokes) wanted to keep attacking fields so we could create a chance. And fair play to him (Sarfaraz), he had the courage to go over the top on a few occasions,” Collingwood added. (IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Debutant Sarfaraz Khan’s Father, Wife Become Emotional After He Receives India Cap From Anil Kumble; Watch)
“He sweeps really well and puts the bowlers under pressure. On debut, it takes as a lot of courage to come out and play like that. I guess from his point of view, it was a shame to get run out the way he did. You can see why he has got a pretty good first-class average — he looks a decent player,” he continued.
Collingwood said although England exploited the early conditions well, it was a toil for the remainder of the day as the ball went soft and the pitch did not have much for the bowlers.
“It was a great start, there was a bit of movement around this morning, it seemed a bit cooler, a bit of moisture on the ground so the ball nipped around a bit. Jimmy and Woody were exceptional. As the ball gets softer, it’s doing less,” he said.
“The spinners toiled away all day with little reward but when you’ve got quality batters like they have in the India team, they’re always going to get a response.”The two guys who got hundreds and Sarfaraz at the end played exceptionally. well. We threw everything at them, in terms of plans and field positions,” he added.
The former England batsman said Stokes tried to maneuver the field given the lack of support from the pitch while also defended Joe Root, whose dropped catch of Rohit Sharma (131) proved costly.“Nobody ever wants to drop catches and the beauty about the game. is you’ve got to try to make more opportunities,” Collingwood said.
“That’s what Stokesy with his field placings and the bowlers did, trying to work out if they could change the mentality of the batters. On wickets that aren’t doing too much, you’ve got to take risks to try create chances,” he added.
Collingwood said despite India being in a strong position after the end of the first day, the mood in the English camp remains upbeat.
“The mood’s very upbeat. It doesn’t generally change no matter what day we have. We all realize that however many runs India get, we’re going to go out there pretty positively with the bat,” he said. “If we have to chase runs on this pitch, it’s a very fast outfield and we’re good at chasing,” Collingwood added.