NEW DELHI: Former Indian all-rounder
Irfan Pathan
on Thursday commended batsman
Sarfaraz Khan
for his innings, emphasising that his debut is proof that players who consistently perform in
domestic cricket
earn the chance to represent the national team.
Sarfaraz made his long-awaited international debut, captivating the audience with his impressive knock of 62 runs in 66 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, at a striking rate of 93.33.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Pathan wrote, "Keep grinding in domestic cricket, and your chance to shine for Team India will come. Sarfaraz Khan's standout performance today is a testament to that. A well-deserved half-century! #INDvsENGTest."
Fans eagerly anticipated Sarfaraz's ascent to the international stage, closely monitoring his outstanding performances in domestic cricket. He has excelled in first-class cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy.
In the 2021-22 season, he emerged as the top scorer with 982 runs in six matches. Additionally, he secured the fifth position in the 2019-20 season, amassing 928 runs in six matches, and continued his success in the 2022-23 season with 556 runs in six matches.
In the unofficial Test series of three matches against England Lions that earlier happened side-by-side with the series between senior sides, Sarfaraz did well for India A, scoring 96 in a Tour match then 4, 55 and 161 in two unofficial Tests.
In 45 first-class matches before his international debut, Sarfaraz scored 3,912 runs at an average of 69.85, with 14 centuries and 11 fifties, with the best score being 301*.
Coming to the match, India opted to bat first after winning the toss and ended the first day at 326/5, with
Ravindra Jadeja
(110* in 212 balls, with nine fours and two sixes) and Kuldeep Yadav (1*) unbeaten.
Earlier, India were in trouble at 33/3 but centuries from Indian skipper
Rohit Sharma
(131 in 196 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes) and Jadeja took India out of trouble. Sarfaraz's half-century also helped India go beyond the 300-run mark.
Pacer Mark Wood (3/69) was the pick of the bowlers for England.
(With inputs from ANI)
English (US) ·