Sarfaraz Khan scores 76-ball century in intra-squad match ahead of Anderson-Tendulkar series

As they continue their preparations for the next Test series against England, Team India's intra-squad encounter at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham on Saturday raised both hopes and worries. With a scorching century from Sarfaraz Khan, veteran pacer Jasprit Bumrah was wicketless. Following the half-centuries made by Shubman Gill and KL Rahul on Day 1, Sarfaraz, who was playing for India A, was the star of the second day.

Sarfaraz Khan scored 101 runs off 76 balls, including two sixes and 15 fours, even though he was left out of India's official selection for the five-match series. Sarfaraz's exclusion from the starting lineup caused both analysts and supporters to take notice. However, with his performance, the Mumbai batter has persisted in making his point. In Canterbury's first unofficial Test match between India A and the England Lions, he too hit 92 runs. Although India's first-choice bowling attack had a poor day, the country's hitters did well.

There are questions regarding rhythm and preparedness after Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless and let up runs at a rate of five per over. Despite taking two wickets, Mohammed Siraj was costly as well, giving up more than seven runs per over. Abhimanyu Easwaran was dismissed for 39 by Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Prasidh Krishna also claimed two wickets. India A was 160 runs behind the main India team at the end of Day 2 (299 for 6). Ishan Kishan scored a quick 45 from 55 balls, while Sai Sudharsan contributed 38 from 60 balls. After being dismissed for a duck in the opening inning, Washington Sundar made amends with a solid 35.

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Shubman Gill starting the new era for India team

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad was sent off for a duck. India's last warm-up before the England series is this match, which is being played behind closed doors. Following two unofficial Test matches against the England Lions that ended in draws, the intra-squad match has included several first-team and periphery players, including Shardul Thakur, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

A new era in Indian Test cricket will begin with the next series against England, as Shubman Gill will be managing the team after veteran players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the longest format and Ravichandran Ashwin from international cricket entirely.

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