Team India had a perfect day out on Day 1 of the third Test against England in Rajkot on February 15, Thursday. However, the day concluded on a disappointing note due to a misunderstanding between debutant Sarfaraz Khan and Ravindra Jadeja, leading to former's run-out.
Sarfaraz, in his much-anticipated Test debut, demonstrated his esteemed prowess in the longest format of the game. The 26-year-old delivered an impressive performance of aggressive batting against England's spinners, leaving the visiting team perplexed for much of his innings.
Regrettably, an error on the part of the Indians led to England claiming the wicket of Sarfaraz Khan. While batting at 99, Jadeja nudged a ball from James Anderson to the leg side and signalled for a run that would have brought up his century. Nonetheless, he reconsidered and retreated, resulting in Sarfaraz being caught out by a direct throw from Mark Wood. This incident meant that the debutant was dismissed after scoring 62 runs from just 66 balls.
This is how Ravindra Jadeja reacted:
Ravindra Jadeja acknowledges his mistake
Following the conclusion of the day's match, Jadeja expressed his remorse on social media, extending an apology to Sarfaraz and conceding his error. "Feeling bad for Sarfaraz Khan. The wrong call was mine. Well played," Jadeja posted in his Instagram story.
At the post-match press conference, Sarfaraz downplayed any friction with Jadeja and shared details of their discussion in the dressing room.
"Mujhe baat karke khelna accha lagta hai (I like talking while batting). So I told Jadeja to keep talking to me while I bat. He supported me a lot today and spoke to me at lunchtime. He told me how debutants feel and how he felt as a debutant. I was a bit nervous, especially when I played my first sweep and missed it. But he told me to take some time," Sarfaraz said.
Sarfaraz on the disastrous run-out said,"There was miscommunication. I said this happens. There is nothing big about it. It is ok. It is part of the game. It happens."
Discussing the game, India finished the day at 326-5, with Jadeja not out on 110. He was involved in a 204-run stand with captain Rohit Sharma, who scored 134.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
