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Sarfaraz Khan Replies To England Tour Snub With Fiery Ton In Intra-Squad Match

Soumyajit Dutta

Sarfaraz Khan [Source: @rajender14345/X]Sarfaraz Khan [Source: @rajender14345/X]

Overlooked for India's Test squad against England, Sarfaraz Khan delivered a powerful statement with a scintillating 76-ball century during an intra-squad match in Beckenham. This game served as the final tune-up for the Indian team before their five-Test series begins on June 20. 

Despite limited Test experience, including a notable 150 against New Zealand, Sarfaraz found himself excluded from recent series against Australia and England, raising eyebrows given the retirements of senior players.

Sarfaraz Khan's Unofficial Audition Silences Doubters

Sarfaraz Khan responded to his omission emphatically. Following a 92 against England Lions, he smashed an aggressive 101 off just 76 balls against the main Indian attack on Friday. 

His innings, featuring 15 fours and two sixes, came in front of BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. Notably, Sarfaraz was later retired out to accommodate the other cricketers.

Why Was Sarfaraz Snubbed For England Tour?

After India's squad announcement for the England tour, Ajit Agarkar explained the decision to snub Sarfaraz.

"Sometimes you just have to make good decisions. Sarfaraz got a 100 in the first Test but didn’t get runs after that. With Virat not there, we felt Karun’s domestic and county experience could help," Agarkar said.

It must be noted that Agarkar and National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman were in attendance during the match which was otherwise a closed-door affair with no media allowed.

Intrasquad Match Report: Who Fared By How Much?

At Day 2 stumps, India A were at 299/6 in reply to India's 459. Ishan Kishan and Shardul Thakur remained unbeaten.

However, the day didn't turn out as it would have been for spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who went wicketless, conceding 36 runs in his seven overs. His pace partners fared better, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna taking two wickets each, though Siraj ended as the most expensive bowler, giving away 86 runs.

Notably, Arshdeep Singh also went wicketless during the session. For the unaware, India is set to begin their Test campaign against England at Headingley Cricket Ground on June 20.