The last time there were so many calls to include a player in India’s Test squad was in 2018 when Karnataka opener Mayank Agarwal was performing consistently in domestic cricket. A few years later, Sarfaraz Khan getting snubbed series after series prompted a similar reaction among fans and some former cricketers. The selectors finally gave Sarfaraz his due when he was named as a replacement for an injured KL Rahul ahead of the second Test in Visakhapatnam against England. The 26-year-old had recently scored 161 against England Lions in the ongoing unofficial Test series. The news of Sarfaraz’s selection brought smiles to faces of many including former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan.
“From countless hours on domestic pitches to the national call-up – a dream realized for Sarfraz and family. Congratulations on your maiden test call for Team India,” Pathan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Sarfaraz was among the three replacements for the second Test after Ravindra Jadeja and Rahul got injured. Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar returned to the Test squad as well.
Jadeja got injured on Day 4 while taking a quick single when Ben Stokes’ throw hit him after hitting the stumps. Rahul who did not play as a wicketkeeper-batter complained of pain in his right quadriceps.
Sarfaraz's impressive numbers
Sarfaraz has an average nearing 70 in first-class cricket. He has scored 3,912 runs from 66 innings including 14 centuries and 11 half-centuries. His strike rate is an impressive 70.48 as well.
In the clash against England Lions, his 161 came off 160 balls. He smashed five sixes and 18 fours during his stay at the crease. Building on a good platform, his knock helped India A post 489 on the board. He was named 'Player of the match' as the Abhimanyu Easwaran-led side won the game by an innings and 16 runs.
Surya congratulates Sarfaraz too
Suryakumar Yadav who has been out of action due to injury also congratulated Sarfaraz for the selection. Suryakumar posted a story on his Instagram which was shared by the 26-year-old.
Earlier, when Suryakumar made his Test debut, many criticised the move He made his Test debut against Australia and managed to score just eight runs. He is yet to play a Test after that.
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