RAJKOT: Seasoned India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja broke silence on his mix-up with debutant Sarfaraz Khan on the opening day of the third Test against England.
Sarfaraz came out to bat at No.6 after skipper Rohit Sharma’s dismissal with Jadeja unbeaten on 84.
By the time cautious Jadeja reached 99, Sarfaraz had already notched up his maiden Test half-century, conceding just 48 deliveries.
He appeared eager to let his senior achieve the milestone and enthusiastically ran down the wicket when Jadeja timed one off James Anderson almost straight to Mark Wood at mid-on in the 81st over of the innings.
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Jadeja took an early stride but then changed his mind while Wood picked up the ball and dislodged the stumps at the non-striker’s end with Sarfaraz well short of his crease.
The Southpaw wasted no time and took a single on the next delivery to bring up his fourth Test century. However, his celebration lacked the usual spark and energy, presumably due to the unfortunate run out of the youngster.
A mix-up leading to Sarfaraz Khan’s run-out left Indian skipper Rohit Sharma fuming in the dressing room and the visuals of him throwing his cap in distress quickly went viral on social media.
https://twitter.com/Iam_Haraprasad/status/1758093316619743376
Ravindra Jadeja also found himself at the receiving end from cricketing fans, who termed the all-rounder “selfish”.
He later took to Instagram to express his disappointment over the incident and lauded the debutant for a courageous knock.
“Feeling bad for [Sarfaraz Khan] it was my wrong call. Well played,” wrote Jadeja on his Instagram story.
Ravindra Jadeja's Instagram story. pic.twitter.com/IPbammFJic
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 15, 2024
Despite an agonizing end, Sarfaraz managed to make his debut a memorable one as the right-handed batter left his supporters and fans impressed with a blazing 62. He only conceded 66 deliveries in the process and smashed 10 boundaries including a six.
READ: Sarfaraz Khan says ‘father’s dream’ fulfilled after India debut