"The way he batted was...": Manjrekar appreciates Sarfaraz's attacking approach in Rajkot Test

Sanjay Manjrekar. Pic/Ashish Raje

India's former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar appreciated debutant Sarfaraz Khan's attacking approach on the first day of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at the Nirajan Shah Stadium.

Sarfaraz's hard work finally paid off when he played a knock of fiery 62 runs in 66 deliveries coming to bat at number six. Looking at his strokes, he seemed to be on course to hit a bid score on day one of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test.

The miscommunication with centurion Ravindra Jadeja led Sarfaraz to run out by Mark Wood at the non-striker's end. Both batsmen milked 77 runs in the hosts' favour.

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The commentator asserted that it looked like the right-hand batter was exceptional during his knock.

"Exceptional. Just the way he batted was like somebody from the past that's come to the present with the way he played spin. It was a sight for the sore eyes, his judgment of length and the way he manuveared the good balls when most young batters would just block and build up dot balls. But he was taking the singles, superb against spin and has the back foot play as well," Manjrekar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Manjrekar, further stated that Sarfaraz Khan is very old-fashioned in the way he plays.

"Even when he lofted the spin, it wasn't pre-planned. He went towards the ball and at the last minute decided to hit the ball in the air so it was more like a chip shot. He looks gifted against spin and is very old-fashioned in the way he plays. Also, watching players like Sarfaraz, Prithvi Shaw, who are from Mumbai roots, gives the impression that they've played a million balls in their life," the former right-hand batter added.

Sarfaraz Khan's debut was much anticipated by fans, who kept their eyes on his domestic cricket form. He has been thriving in first-class cricket, most notably the Ranji Trophy, where he top-scored in 2021-22 with 982 runs in six matches, placed fifth in the 2019-20 season with 928 runs in six matches, scoring well in the 2022-23 season as well with 556 runs in six matches.

In the unofficial Test series of three matches against England Lions earlie, Sarfaraz did well for India A, scoring 96 in a Tour match then 4, 55 and 161 in two unofficial Tests.

In 45 first-class matches, Sarfaraz scored 3,912 runs at an average of 69.85, with 14 centuries and 11 fifties, with the best score being 301'.

(With ANI Inputs)