IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Sarfaraz Khan Announces Arrival With Joint Second Fastest Fifty By Indian On Test Debut

India's batter Sarfaraz Khan on Thursday (February 15) marked his long-awaited debut with a quickfire fifty during day one of the third Test against England at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.

Sarfaraz smashed a half century off just 48 balls and equalled the record for second fastest fifty by an Indian on debut, previously held by Hardik Pandya, who achieved the feat in his first Test match in 2017 against Sri Lanka in Galle.

While Sarfaraz and Hardik hold the record for the second fastest fifty by a Indian on Test debut, the fastest fifty record is held by Yuvraj of Patiala, who reached half century in just 42 balls against England in a Test match in 1934.

Fastest Fifty by Indian on Test debut

42 balls by Yuvraj of Patiala vs England in Chennai on February 10, 1934
48 balls by Sarfaraz Khan vs England in Rajkot on February 15, 2024
48 balls by Hardik Pandya vs Sri Lanka in Galle on July 26, 2017
50 balls by Shikhar Dhawan vs Australia in Mohali on March 14, 2013

The 26-year-old, who finally earned his call into the national team after consistenly scoring runs in the domestic circuit for the last few years, hit seven fours and one six in his knock to pile on the misery against English bowlers.

Sarfaraz arrived at crease following the dismissal of skipper Rohit Sharma, who scored an impressive century. The batter from Mumbai then went on to share a good stand with Ravindra Jadeja until he was dismissed via a run out, ending his innings at 62 off 66 balls.

Jadeja, who was one short of his century, rejected a quick single, ending his stand with Sarfaraz at 78 runs. The Saurashtra all-rounder, however, completed his second Test century at his home venue, taking India to 315/5 heading into stumps on day one.

Earlier, former India spinner Anil Kumble handed over the maiden Test cap to Sarfaraz Khan and gave the 26-year-old an inspirational speech ahead of the Rajkot Test.

While handing over the prestigious Test cap, Kumble said that he was "proud" of Sarfaraz for the way he came through. He added that his dad and the whole family would be "extremely proud" after seeing the 26-year-old playing for India. The former cricketer also said that it was the start of a long career.

"Sarfaraz, I am really proud of the way you come through, am sure your dad and your family would be extremely proud of what you have been able to achieve," Kumble told Sarfaraz.

"I know you have done all the hard work and disappointments, but despite that all the runs that you have scored through the domestic season. Well done to you. I am sure you will have lots of wonderful memories today. Start of a long career. Only 310 people have played before you, so all the best."