Sarfaraz Khan showcased his prowess in the field during Day 3 of the Ranchi Test against England at the Jharkhand Cricket Association complex. While he might not have left a mark with the bat in the first innings, Sarfaraz’s exceptional fielding contribution added value to the Indian team.

The highlight of Sarfaraz Khan’s fielding brilliance came when he took a stunning diving catch to dismiss England spinner Tom Hartley. In Kuldeep Yadav’s over, a tossed-up delivery enticed Hartley into attempting a big shot. However, the ball, dragged off the inner half of the bat, found its way to Sarfaraz Khan, strategically positioned between mid-on and long-on.

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With a swift dive forward, Sarfaraz secured an outstanding catch, claiming England’s seventh wicket. What added a touch of flair to the moment was Sarfaraz’s immediate reaction after the catch. He got up, turned back, and blew a kiss towards the dressing room, exhibiting the exuberance of the crucial fielding effort.

  

Tom Hartley managed just 7 runs off 25 balls in his innings, attempting a big shot against Kuldeep Yadav but falling prey to the sharp turn of the leg-spinner. This marked Kuldeep Yadav’s fourth wicket of the day, showcasing his stellar performance in the second innings and significantly impacting England’s batting lineup. His victims included Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes, Tom Hartley, and Ollie Robinson.

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With England already holding a lead of over 180 runs, the challenging pitch conditions, characterized by low bounce and sharp turn, make any score above 200 a formidable target, especially in the fourth innings. Kuldeep Yadav’s ability to turn the ball perfectly and create dilemmas for the English batters has proven instrumental in reshaping the game for India.

Sarfaraz Khan, having made his debut in the Rajkot Test, emerged as a standout performer with two half-centuries in the game. While he displayed solidity in the first innings of the ongoing Ranchi Test with a knock of 53, his contribution with the bat in the second innings becomes crucial in the face of sharp turn and spin. As a reputed player of spin, Sarfaraz Khan’s performance in the second innings could significantly impact India’s chances in the game.