Watch the video as Mark Wood loses his cool and attempts to disrupt Sarfaraz Khan for executing a Sachin Tendulkar-like ramp shot.
Mark Wood’s frustration was evident as he attempted to rattle Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan after being outplayed.
Sarfaraz Khan’s stellar performance with a brilliant half-century on the second day of the ongoing fifth Test in Dharamsala dashed England’s hopes of making a comeback. This marked his third half-century in Test cricket, spearheading India’s counterattack after the quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The 26-year-old formed a crucial 97-run partnership with debutant Devdutt Padikkal, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by the England bowlers.
In the initial stages, Sarfaraz adopted a cautious approach, particularly after being dropped on 2 by Ben Stokes off his own bowling. However, a few well-timed boundaries against Tom Hartley boosted his confidence. Subsequently, he showcased his prowess by confidently taking on the seasoned Mark Wood in the 76th over, executing some exquisite shots that resembled the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s classic ramp shot.
Wood showed visible frustration after being outplayed by the Indian batter and attempted to provoke him. Despite Sarfaraz being comfortably within the crease for the next delivery, Wood attempted to kick the ball onto the stumps in an apparent attempt to rattle him. However, the ball missed the wickets, and although Wood muttered a few words, he ultimately returned to his bowling mark.
Wood’s attempt at unsettling Sarfaraz backfired spectacularly as the Indian batter responded by hitting him for a boundary and a six in the following over. Continuing his aggressive approach, Sarfaraz struck two more boundaries to bring up his half-century.
However, Sarfaraz’s promising innings was cut short shortly after the tea break when he fell victim to Shoaib Bashir. The English off-spinner delivered a shorter delivery, and Sarfaraz attempted to play it with an open bat face, only to edge it to Joe Root at first slip, ending his innings.
Earlier, Ben Stokes made a triumphant return to bowling in Test cricket after a nine-month hiatus, making an immediate impact by dismissing Rohit Sharma with his very first delivery. The England captain opted to bowl himself into the attack after a challenging morning session for his team. Stokes delivered a brilliant delivery that seamed away slightly from a good length, uprooting Rohit’s off-stump.
Following Stokes’ breakthrough, James Anderson struck in the next over by dismissing Shubman Gill with a superb delivery that seamed back in, leaving India reeling at 279 for three.
However, Sarfaraz Khan and debutant left-handed batsman Devdutt Padikkal steadied the ship for the hosts, ensuring a steady flow of runs. Together, they propelled India to a commanding total of 376 for 3 at tea, extending their first-innings lead to 158 runs.
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