"Please Explain": Internet Fumes As Sarfaraz Not Handed Test Debut vs ENG

The wait for a Test debut continued for Sarfaraz Khan as Rajat Patidar was preferred for the second Test match between India and England.

Feb 2, 2024 - 10:50
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"Please Explain": Internet Fumes As Sarfaraz Not Handed Test Debut vs ENG

The wait for a Test debut continued for Sarfaraz Khan as Rajat Patidar was preferred for the second Test match between India and England in Vishakhpatnam on Friday. Both Sarfaraz and Patidar were added to the India squad after KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out to injuries. However, Patidar was chosen over Sarfaraz to replace Rahul in the playing XI with Kuldeep Yadav replacing Jadeja. Social media were not pleased with Sarfaraz missing out and they expressed their feelings regarding the matter. 

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bat first against Ben Stokes-led England in the second Test match of the five-game series at Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mohammed Siraj has been released from the India squad for the second Test against England in Vizag.

"The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and the amount of cricket he has played in recent times. He will be available for selection for the third Test in Rajkot. Avesh Khan has re-joined the team for the 2nd Test," BCCI said in an official statement.

Heading into the second match, India lack experience in the spin department and also the hosts will be missing a mature batting line-up. Virat Kohli will miss the game due to personal reasons while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have been ruled out of the second Test due to injuries.

Meanwhile, after clinching a 28-run in the first Test, England have named three frontline spinners - Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, who lack a bit of experience. Jack Leach who holds the highest experience is on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav.

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir and James Anderson.

(With ANI inputs)

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