IND vs ENG: Sarfaraz Khan’s father and wife blow kisses in celebration of his debut half century

India batter Sarfaraz Khan marked his arrival in international cricket in style as he registered a magnificent half-century on his debut during Day 1 of the third Test against England at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. The 26-year-old walked to the crease with India on 237/4 as Rohit Sharma got dismissed by Mark Wood after a well-made 131 (196).

The Mumbai batter looked a bit circumspect at the crease as he faced some chin music from England speedster Mark Wood. However, as soon as the spinners came on, Sarfaraz put his wide array of strokes on display and traced to his half-century off just 48 balls.

Also Read: Sarfaraz Khan’s father moved to tears after son receives maiden India Test cap

Having reached the landmark in his very first outing in international cricket, the 26-year-old was beaming with joy which was also evident on the faces of his father Naushad Khan and wife Romana Zahoor who both flew kisses at him.

Watch Sarfaraz’s celebration here:

Notably, it was the joint second-fastest fifty on debut by an Indian batter in Tests after Yuvraj of Patiala who achieved the landmark in 42 balls way back in 1934. Along with Sarfaraz, all-rounder Hardik Pandya had also scored a half-century off 48 balls on his debut in 2017.

However, the star batter couldn’t take his innings beyond 62 (66) as he unfortunately got run out at the non-striker’s end in the 82nd over by Mark Wood. Notably, Jadeja batting on 99, was looking for a quick single to get to his fourth Test hundred. However, the ball was collected by Mark Wood at mid-on on who hit the stumps at the non-strikers after Sarfaraz was sent back by Jadeja.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma surpasses MS Dhoni’s sixes record on opening day of Rajkot Test

Mark Wood left India reeling at 33/3 in first session

As a result, his debut innings ended on 62 (66) laced with nine fours and a six. Captain Rohit Shram also seemed frustrated with the dismissal in the dressing room as he threw his cap in anger.

Earlier in the day, after opting to bat first, India had the worst possible start as they were reduced to 33/3 as Mark Wood got rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal (10 off 10) and Shubman Gill (0 off 9). Rajat Patidar was also dismissed for 5 (15) by Tom Hartley.

Seeing the side in trouble, captain Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja got involved in a massive 204-run stand to take their team to safety.