Left out, not down! Sarfaraz Khan silences critics again with gritty 92 vs England Lions
Sarfaraz Khan
NEW DELHI:
Sarfaraz Khan
showcased his ability to perform in overseas conditions, responding strongly after being overlooked for the Australia tour and subsequently dropped from the Test squad for the England series.
The right-hander silenced his critics with a composed 92 off 119 balls for India A against England Lions in the first unofficial Test at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury.
His knock included 13 boundaries and was a timely reminder of his red-ball prowess.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Earlier this year, Sarfaraz impressed on Test debut against England in February 2024, scoring two half-centuries. He later struck a valiant 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, though in a losing cause.
However, a dip in form followed, as he managed just 21 runs in his next four innings, leading to his exclusion from the playing XI.
Despite his early promise, Sarfaraz did not feature in any of the five Tests during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where India went down 3-1.
His omission continued into the England series, with the selectors opting for Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair instead. The decision raised eyebrows, given Sarfaraz's consistent domestic performances.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look)
Steel Suppliers | search ads
Search Now
Undo
The BCCI, led by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, recently announced an 18-member squad for the five-Test series in England.
Shubman Gill
has been appointed India's new Test captain, with
Rishabh Pant
named as his deputy.
Why no Shreyas Iyer for England tour? Coach Gautam Gambhir opens up
Sarfaraz, however, was a notable absentee.
When asked about the decision to leave Sarfaraz out, Agarkar responded:
'Sometimes you just have to make good decisions. Sarfaraz, I know he got a 100 in the first Test and then didn't get runs.
Sometimes it's decisions the team management takes,' Agarkar said.
He further explained the inclusion of Karun Nair over Sarfaraz:
'At the moment, Karun has scored heaps of runs in domestic, has played a bit of Test cricket, played a bit of county cricket. With Virat not there, clearly we're lacking a bit of experience. We felt his experience could help," added Agarkar.
On the limited spots available in the squad, he stated:
"We can't pick 50 players now, so naturally when you have to pick 18 players, some players will be missing out."
India's five-Test series in England kicks off in Leeds on June 20.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hockey nursery blooms into new school for cricket in city's people-led movement
Bhopal: Once known as the hockey nursery of India, Bhopal has evolved from these roots into a prominent cricket centre, producing national and international players. The city currently features two premier cricket league teams and maintains 27 cricket academies across various grounds. Athletes from Bhopal are now participating in competitions from the Ranji Trophy to the IPL, with new illuminated cricket venues under development and players competing internationally. The past decade witnessed a significant evolution in Bhopal's sporting facilities. The cricket infrastructure expanded considerably, with contemporary amenities being established throughout the city. The Old Campion Ground, Ankur Ground, Faith Cricket Ground, and Bab-e-Ali Stadium have emerged as essential venues for local competitions and training. These facilities regularly host various levels of matches and function as development centres for aspiring cricketers. Senior cricketers and coaches attribute the emergence of cricket talent to the dedication of those involved in the sport. "If we talk about ground-level cricket, it is running because of the people who are associated with this game. The govt has less role in it, and several players have a big contribution to cricket. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo This is the reason why Bhopal is able to produce great players for the country and the state," says senior coach JP Tyagi. The cricket academies maintain systematic training regimens, emphasising technical proficiency and physical conditioning. These institutions are led by former Ranji players and qualified coaches, offering professional guidance to young talents. Regular trials and summer programmes are organised to identify promising players. Senior Coach and former captain of the Madhya Pradesh Ranji team, Brijesh Tomar, acknowledges Bhopal's growing cricket prominence. "Now there are big stadiums equipped with floodlights. Every kind of cricket facility is available in Bhopal. This is the reason why players here are playing well at every level," says Tomar. The two premier cricket league teams have established a competitive environment for local players. "What level the competition has reached in Bhopal can be gauged from the fact that there are 12 all-rounders in the Bhopal Leopards team," says Sanjay Pandey of Bhopal Leopards. The team will participate in MPL under captain Arshad Khan this year, with their first match on June 13 against Jabalpur Royal Lions. Bhopal's cricketers have achieved notable success in professional cricket. The city's participation in the Madhya Pradesh Ranji Trophy team has grown substantially. MP secured their inaugural Ranji Trophy under Bhopal's Aditya Shrivastava's leadership. Aniket Verma and Shivam Shukla represent different IPL teams. Sports promoter Faisal Meer Khan commented on the growing environment for the game in the city, "In the last few years, many academies opened in Bhopal, and these are producing a lot of players. This is a good sign," says Meer. Local players have secured IPL contracts and opportunities to play league cricket internationally, particularly in England and Australia. The ongoing development of illuminated stadiums will enhance the city's cricket facilities. These venues will accommodate evening matches, benefiting working professionals and students. The stadiums feature modern amenities, including indoor practice facilities, fitness centres, and sports medicine units. Senior Coach Mohsin highlights Bhopal's cricket potential. "Every academy has so many children in Bhopal that many times they have to refuse them. That is why players here are playing in every format in the state and outside the state as well," says Mohsin. The cricket sector has generated substantial employment opportunities in Bhopal. Beyond players, there is increasing demand for coaches, physiotherapists, ground staff, and support personnel. Local sports equipment businesses have experienced growth, contributing to the local economy. The transition from hockey to cricket excellence reflects sustained efforts by cricket associations, governmental support, and enthusiasts' dedication. "Bhopal has made its own identity in cricket. We have an excellent pool of talent," said sports promoter Aruneshwar Singh Deo. The city maintains its hockey heritage while supporting cricket's increasing popularity.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Veteran wide receiver Chris Conley retires from the NFL for a surprising reason
Chris Conley is retiring from the NFL. Source: X Wide receiver Chris Conley is stepping away from the NFL after a decade-long career to pursue his true passion, which is filmmaking. According to his agent, Jonathan Perzley, Conley will begin this new chapter by enrolling in film school at the University of Georgia, which is also his alma mater. Why did Chris Conley retire from the NFL? Conley shared the news of his retirement on Instagram Saturday morning. 'When I was a kid I wrote down a set of goals. On that list was 'Play 10 years in the NFL.' Now that this goal has been accomplished, it's time to set sights on something new,' he wrote. Throughout his 10-year NFL career, Conley played in 132 games and made 65 starts across five teams. He recorded 226 receptions, 2,998 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. Conley also contributed on special teams besides his stint as a wide receiver. His standout season came in 2019 with Jacksonville, where he posted career highs with 47 receptions for 775 yards and five touchdowns. Over the last two seasons with the 49ers, Conley primarily served as a backup behind Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings. 'The past 10 years have been a dream,' Conley wrote. 'Getting the opportunity to play in the league was an honor and whether it was catching touchdowns or blocking for them, I truly gave it my all.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you wash your bath towel often? Experts in Singapore found germs 'too numerous to count' CNA Read More Undo "I cant mention everyone who was instrumental in my growth as a man and player but if you played a part, I extend a heartfelt thank you. To my teammates, training staff, and coaches thanks for the friendship and trust throughout the years. God makes no mistakes and I'm thankful he proved this to me throughout my career. He is more than enough," he added. He signed off his announcement with, 'See you in the next dream.' The Pro-Bowler has been a solid, reliable player throughout his NFL career. He was drafted in the third round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015. It is not yet known exactly which direction he may pursue in filmmaking or what influenced him to retire.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Bengaluru stampede: How further disaster was thwarted on top tiers of Chinnaswamy Stadium
1 2 Bengaluru: While pain, anguish and trauma unfolded outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium Wednesday, a potential disaster was averted by the skin of the teeth inside the stadium — thanks to the swift response of alert private security personnel and police officers. By 5pm on that fateful day, as it became clear certain stands, particularly Stand 13, were overcrowded, D Bhaskar, the managing director of Supreme Care Services, a private security agency deployed by event partner DNA, could sense trouble. "Stand 13 looked dangerous. People were jumping from the upper tier to the lower level to get a better view," Bhaskar recalled. "Some even used pillars and fences to climb down. It was a crowd unlike what we usually see during IPL matches — much more aggressive and unruly." Bhaskar, drawing on his army training and two years' experience of handling RCB match security, read the situation fast enough to realise it was spiralling out of control. "Several stands were operating at over 120% capacity. Those spectators who stood up were blocking the views of those behind, which led to pushing and jostling," he said. "I feared people could fall off the upper stands straight to the ground." Bhaskar immediately approached a senior police officer at the venue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Obtén audífonos premium sin pagar absolutamente nada Top Audifonos Undo "I must thank him — he acted without any delay. Five police officers from the VIP area were immediately told to control the situation on the upper stands. They moved to the upper tiers and cleared out those threatening to act dangerously," Bhaskar said. Warnings on loudspeaker Meanwhile, Bhaskar's team comprising former army personnel, used walkie-talkies and loudspeakers to warn the spectators. "We told the crowd that they were under surveillance and strict action would be taken against any unruly conduct, which instilled some fear and helped calm the situation."
