Sarfaraz Khan Records First Test Duck for India

Sarfaraz Khan faced a challenging outing on Day 2 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17, as he recorded his very first duck in Test cricket. The young batter, who was given a chance to play in the absence of Shubman Gill, was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Sarfaraz’s dismissal came when Devon Conway took a stunning diving catch at extra cover, sending him back to the pavilion after facing just three deliveries.

The moment unfolded as Matt Henry bowled a well-placed length delivery just outside off-stump. Sarfaraz attempted to counter-attack but found himself in an awkward position, resulting in a mis-hit. Despite the ball being past Conway’s body, he showcased his athleticism by springing to his right and managing to secure the catch. Sarfaraz’s wicket proved crucial, leaving India in a precarious situation at 10/3 in their innings, intensifying the pressure on the remaining batsmen.

This match represented a significant opportunity for Sarfaraz, who had returned to the playing XI after missing out on the Bangladesh Test series. Having recently made headlines with a stellar double century in the Irani Cup for Mumbai, expectations were high. His inclusion was seen as a chance to solidify his place in the national setup, especially after Gill was sidelined due to stiffness in his neck.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first in overcast conditions, which significantly aided the fast bowlers. Both Tim Southee and Matt Henry exploited the conditions effectively, showcasing swing and seam movement. Rohit’s early departure for just two runs added to the woes, with Virat Kohli stepping in at No. 3. Unfortunately for Kohli, he too recorded a duck, marking his first in Tests since 2021, further compounding India’s troubles in the match.

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As the innings progressed, Sarfaraz’s wicket highlighted the team’s struggles, with early dismissals putting immense pressure on India’s batting order. With key players back in the pavilion, the team will need to regroup quickly to navigate the challenging conditions and build a competitive total against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack. The performance of the remaining batsmen will be crucial in determining the outcome of this Test match.