Experienced Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has apologised on the regrettable mix-up between himself and debutant Sarfaraz Khan throughout Day 1 of the third 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 along with his spectacular efficiency towards Ben Stokes and firm on this pivotal match.
Jadeja declined the short single after calling for it as Sarfaraz signaled for it, leading to mid-on fielder Mark Wood executing a direct hit that concluded the debutant’s entertaining innings. Following India’s commendable whole 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 additionally took full 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 reward on debutant Sarfaraz Khan, whose aggressive 62 allowed India to attain 326 for 5 on day one of many third Test. Collingwood mentioned Sarfaraz confirmed a “lot of courage to play like that” after the right-handed batter smashed his fifty off 48 balls, the joint quickest by an Indian on debut.
Ravindra Jadeja apologising 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 advised the media after stumps right here.
“I thought Ben (Stokes) wanted to keep attacking fields so we could create a chance. And fairplay to him (Sarfaraz), he had the courage to go over the top on a few occasions,” Collingwood added. (IND vs ENG third Test: Debutant Sarfaraz Khan’s Father, Wife Become Emotional After He Receives India Cap From Anil Kumble; Watch)
“He sweeps really well and put the bowlers under pressure. On debut, it take 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 mentioned although England exploited the early circumstances properly, it was a toil for the rest of the day because the ball went gentle and the pitch didn’t have a lot 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 mentioned.
“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 batter mentioned Stokes tried to manoeuvre the sector given the shortage of help from the pitch whereas additionally defended Joe Root, whose dropped catch of Rohit Sharma (131) proved pricey.“Nobody ever wants to drop catches and the beauty about the game is you’ve got to try to make more opportunities,” Collingwood mentioned.
“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 mentioned regardless of India being in a powerful place after the tip of the primary day, the temper within the English camp stays upbeat.
“The mood’s very upbeat. It doesn’t generally change no matter what day we have. We all realise 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.
