Sarfaraz Khan hammered a blazing century off just 76 balls in the intra-squad match. Representing India A, he struck 15 fours and two sixes against the main India team.
Sarfaraz Khan Responds to Omission with Blazing Century
Right-handed batter Sarfaraz Khan might not have been named in India’s squad for the five-match Test series against England, but he is determined to prove his worth. On Day 2 of the ongoing intra-squad match in Beckenham, the 27-year-old smashed a scintillating 101 off just 76 balls for India A, laced with 15 fours and two sixes, before retiring out. His performance came in front of chief selector Ajit Agarkar and National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman, both of whom were present at the behind-closed-doors fixture.
Despite being left out, Sarfaraz Khan has shown remarkable grit. He earlier struck a composed 92 in the first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions in Canterbury. His omission from the main squad drew criticism, especially after his strong domestic and A-team performances.
Having played six Tests for India, Sarfaraz Khan has accumulated 371 runs at an average of 37.10. Notably, he scored 150 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand last year but struggled in the following two matches. He was also overlooked during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. In preparation for the England series, Sarfaraz shed 10 kilograms and practiced extensively against the swinging ball—but was ultimately excluded from the 18-member squad for the series starting June 20.
Jasprit Bumrah goes wicketless
On the second day of the intra-squad match, India’s bowling attack showed signs of concern ahead of the England Test series. Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets each. However, Siraj’s economy rate raised eyebrows, as he conceded over seven runs per over. Bumrah was also expensive, giving away five runs per over—an issue that could trouble India in the upcoming series.
Among the other bowlers, Nitish Kumar Reddy managed to take one wicket, removing India A opener Abhimanyu Easwaran for 39.
On Day 1, India had posted a strong total, powered by half-centuries from captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, setting the tone for the contest.