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India Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Sarfaraz Khan hits 76-ball hundred, Bumrah goes wicketless in intra-squad match
Team India's preparations for the upcoming Test series against England continued on Saturday with Day 2 of their intra-squad match at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham offering both promise and concern. While Sarfaraz Khan delivered a blistering century, senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah went Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had impressed with half-centuries on Day 1, it was Sarfaraz - playing for India A - who stole the limelight on the second day. Despite not being named in India's official squad for the five-match series, the 27-year-old right-hander hammered 101 runs off just 76 balls, laced with 15 fours and two omission from the main squad raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike. Nevertheless, the Mumbai batter has continued to press his case through sheer performance. He also scored 92 in the first unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions in Canterbury. In six Test appearances for India so far, Sarfaraz has amassed 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including a memorable 150 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand last year. While India A's batters impressed, India's first-choice bowling attack had a mixed day. Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless and conceded runs at five per over, raising concerns about rhythm and readiness. Mohammed Siraj, though claiming two wickets, was expensive as well, leaking runs at over seven per over. Prasidh Krishna also picked up two wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Abhimanyu Easwaran for A ended Day 2 on 299 for 6, trailing the main India side by 160 runs. Sai Sudharsan contributed 38 off 60 balls, while Ishan Kishan added a brisk 45 from 55. Washington Sundar, who had fallen for a duck in the first innings, redeemed himself with a steady 35. India A skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, however, was dismissed for a match, held behind closed doors, is India's final warm-up ahead of the England series. The intra-squad game follows two unofficial Tests against the England Lions - both ending in draws - and has featured several fringe and first-team players including Karun Nair, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shardul upcoming series against England will mark the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket, with Shubman Gill leading the side following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from the longest format, and Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket altogether. You May Also Like
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Sarfaraz Khan's retort to selection snub; scores 76-ball ton as Ajit Agarkar, VVS Laxman watch; Bumrah wicketless
Right-handed batter Sarfaraz Khan might not have been named in the India squad for the five-match series against England but he is leaving no stone unturned in trying to impress the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. On Day 2 of the intra-squad match against India, Sarfaraz while playing for India A, smashed 101 runs off 76 balls with the help of 15 fours and two sixes in Beckenham. The 27-year-old eventually retired out after playing this knock. It must be mentioned that Ajit Agarkar and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) head, VVS Laxman, were in attendance for the intra-squad match that is being played behind closed doors. Both media and fans are not allowed to see the action being played out. Sarfaraz Khan's ouster from the main India squad raised several eyebrows. However, the youngster took the omission in his stride as he played a knock of 92 runs in the first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions in Canterbury. Sarfaraz Khan has played six Tests for India so far, scoring 371 runs at an average of 37.10. Last year, he scored 150 runs in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand. However, he failed in the next two Tests against the Kiwis. Also Read: Shubman Gill starts India captaincy journey with sparkling knock, KL Rahul hits fifty in India vs India A match The right-hander then didn't get a chance in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which India lost 1-3. Before the series against England, Sarfaraz even lost 10 kgs. He was working hard as he was practising against the swinging ball. However, disappointment followed as he was not named in the 18-member squad for the five-match series against England, beginning June 20. On the second day of the intra-squad match, Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna returned with two wickets each. However, Siraj's performance left a lot to be desired. He conceded more than seven runs per over. Bumrah, too, conceded five runs per over, and this is a big cause of concern heading into the series against England. Nitish Kumar Reddy also returned with one wicket as he dismissed India A batter Abhimanyu Easwaran for 39. For India A, Sai Sudharsan scored 38 runs off 60 balls with seven boundaries while Ishan Kishan registered 45 runs off 55 balls. India A ended Day 2 at 299/6, still trailing India by 160 runs. On Day 1, India batted first with both skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul scoring half-centuries.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
A list of Virat Kohli's most controversial moments in Test cricket
Virat Kohli and Sam Konstas. (Pic Credit - X) Virat Kohli 's Test cricket career has been marked by numerous controversial and intense moments, showcasing his fierce competitiveness and emotional approach to the game. From his early days as a player to his role as captain, Kohli 's on-field incidents have ranged from showing the middle finger to Australian crowds in 2012 to confrontations with opponents and questioning DRS decisions, making him one of cricket's most passionate figures in the red-ball format. 2012: Middle-Finger Controversy Virat Kohli Middle finger🖕 //Video Credit: Graham Bensinger // #shorts The 2012 Sydney Cricket Ground incident marked Kohli's first major controversy in Test cricket. After facing continuous verbal abuse from the Australian crowd while fielding, he responded with a middle finger gesture. The ICC fined him 50% of his match fee, though Kohli defended his actions, stating the crowd's abuse had crossed acceptable limits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo 2014: Passion meets provocation at Adelaide Sledging Whole Australia...😈 • #cricket #shorts The 2014 Adelaide Test, Kohli's first as captain in MS Dhoni's absence, saw heated exchanges with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin. Despite being hit by bouncers and facing sledging, Kohli responded with two centuries and led India's aggressive response. "I respect a few of them, but I have no reason to respect anyone who doesn't respect me," Kohli declared after the match. 2017: DRS, Steve Smith 'Cheating' saga The 2017 Bengaluru Test against Australia produced one of the most significant controversies of Kohli's career. He accused the Australian team of systematic cheating when Steve Smith looked toward the dressing room for DRS assistance. While Smith termed it a "brain fade," Kohli maintained it wasn't an isolated incident. 2021: Lord's Test heroics and hostilities Virat Kohli and Jonny Bairstow have a HEATED exchange 😳🔥 The 2021 Lord's Test against England highlighted Kohli's leadership style. Following Jasprit Bumrah's spell against James Anderson, the match became increasingly hostile. Kohli engaged in verbal exchanges with Jos Buttler and Ollie Robinson, leading India to a memorable victory. 2014 and 2018: James Anderson rivalry Kohli's rivalry with James Anderson spans multiple series. After struggling against Anderson in 2014, Kohli returned in 2018 to score 593 runs in the series. Their encounters featured intense verbal exchanges and dramatic celebrations. 2022: The DRS stump mic outburst Paine, Kohli verbals caught on TV stump mic The 2022 Cape Town Test saw Kohli approach the stump microphone to criticise broadcaster SuperSport after a DRS decision. "Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball... not just the opposition," Kohli remarked, suggesting potential manipulation. 2018: 'Mic Drop' against England During the 2018 Edgbaston Test, Kohli mimicked Joe Root's "mic drop" celebration after running him out. While Kohli later described it as playful banter, the gesture carried clear competitive undertones. 2024: Brushing shoulders with Sam Konstas In his recent appearance at the 2024 Boxing Day Test at MCG, Kohli had a shoulder brush and exchange with debutant Sam Konstas. The incident resulted in an ICC sanction. Following the match, Konstas described Kohli as "a lovely person" and "a legend of the game" after their post-match conversation.
