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India vs England 2024 Cricket

'Aakhir aa hi gya vo din' - Fans react as Sarfaraz Khan finally gets his debut cap vs England in Rajkot, Dhruv Jurel replaces KS Bharat

While KS Bharat's poor run of form opened the door for Jurel, the absence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the Indian middle order paved the way for Sarfaraz.

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Mathew K
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Dhruv Jurel (left) and Sarfaraz Khan (Source: X)

Dhruv Jurel (left) and Sarfaraz Khan (Source: X)

The riveting third Test between India and England is currently (Thursday, February 15) underway in Rajkot. The five-match series is poised at an exciting phase with both teams sharing a win each in the first two matches. Meanwhile, ahead of the action at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, a much-awaited moment unfolded as Sarfaraz Khan received his maiden Test cap.

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Along with Sarfaraz, wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel also made his international debut. While KS Bharat's poor run of form opened the door for Jurel, the absence of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the Indian middle order paved the way for Sarfaraz. The Mumbai cricketer is finally rewarded for his remarkable performance in the domestic circuit.

The 25-year-old was handed his maiden Test cap by legendary spinner Anil Kumble in the team huddle. Sarfaraz's wife and father Naushad Khan were also present at the stadium to closely witness the proud moment. Both became emotional and could not control their tears. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh cricketer Jurel got his cap from veteran wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik.  

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India win the toss and opt to bat

The pitch at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium is promised to be batting-friendly, and captain Rohit Sharma, who won the toss, elected to bat first. Apart from the inclusion of new faces, India have also made a couple of changes. Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja are back while Axar Patel Patel and Mukesh Kumar are out.

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With the absence of Rahul, Iyer and Kohli, the Indian middle order looks young and inexperienced. Sarfaraz has got a great chance to prove his mettle and get a long run in the team. Jural could also impress the selectors to cement his position as the second wicket-keeping option. 

IND vs ENG 3rd Test Playing XI

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson 

Here's how fans reacted to Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel making their international debuts: 

India Sarfaraz Khan India vs England 2024 Dhruv Jurel