Call it forced changes, but finally, middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan got his Test cap for the third match between India and England, at Rajkot. With KL Rahul not fully fit for the match, the management showed faith in the domestic giant, who averages 69 in first-class cricket. Meanwhile, that wasn’t the only change that the team opted for, as wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel was also handed his Test debut, coming in for out-of-form KS Bharat.
Eventually, India went in with four changes. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came in for Axar Patel, and Mohammed Siraj replaced Mukesh Kumar, who didn’t have much to do in the second Test. As expected, Shubman Gill retained his place after his solid ton in the third innings in Vizag, while another keeper-batsman, Rajat Patidar was given a longer rope.
Interestingly, chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav was persisted with, as well, who despite being a wicket-taker, isn’t generally picked in Tests.
India Playing XI: R Sharma (c), Y Jaiswal, S Gill, R Patidar, S Khan, D Jurel (wk), R Jadeja, R Ashwin, K Yadav, M Siraj, J Bumrah.
