Ravindra Jadeja has apologised for running out Sarfaraz Khan in the latter’s debut innings, describing the error as his “wrong call” in a post on Instagram.
The incident occurred in the closing stages of the first day of the third India-England Test at Rajkot. Along with captain Rohit Sharma, Jadeja and Sarfaraz had boosted India to a strong position after an early flurry of wickets. From 33-3 inside the first hour, a double-century stand and then a rapid fifty from Sarfaraz, off just 48 balls, carried the hosts past 300.
However, while India ended the day on top, they spurned two wickets through avoidable errors, Rohit spooning a pull shot off Mark Wood, and Sarfaraz run out as Jadeja sought to bring up his hundred.
Jadeja had slowed up after Sarfaraz’s entry, with the 26-year-old, who averages nearly 70 in first-class cricket, contributing 62 to their stand of 77. Jadeja had spent more than 20 balls in the nineties, and with stumps approaching, looked desperate to reach three figures. Sarfaraz had a close shave as Jadeja moved to 98, diving to make his ground as England missed the direct hit.
He got Jadeja back on strike with a single, but that was the last ball he would face. Jadeja, on 99, tried to scamper a single, only to realise, after taking several steps down the wicket, that he had hit the ball straight to the fielder. He turned back, but Sarfaraz had already come too far, and Wood nailed a direct hit.
That is up there with one of the worst BBQ’s of all time from Jadeja 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Ian Higgins (@1an_Higgins) February 15, 2024
Jadeja brought up his century one ball later, but celebrated sheepishly, with blame for the wicket falling squarely on him. India have had three batters run out this series, and Jadeja has been involved each time.
Despite his innings being cut short, Sarfaraz had still impressed, and Jadeja paid tribute to the youngster as he apologised for his part in his downfall.
“Feeling bad for Sarfaraz Khan,” he posted. “It was my wrong call. Well played”.
For his part, Sarfaraz described the run out as simply a “miscommunication” and said it was “part of the game”.
