Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg raised concerns about Sarfaraz Khan‘s ability to handle extra bounce, a potential weakness that could affect the 27-year-old’s performance in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. Despite Sarfaraz Khan‘s impressive knock of 150 in the first Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru,
Brad Hogg noted that Sarfaraz Khan’s tendency to keep his hands low could give fast bowlers an edge on bouncier tracks. His remarks came ahead of the impending Border Gavaskar Trophy series, with chances of Sarfaraz facing the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
Sarfaraz Khan stellar knock of 150 runs vs NZ has raised hopes about him
Although only four Tests down in a fledgling international career, Indian middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan, has managed to attract eyeballs all across. More so after the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru where Sarfaraz Khan made amends after a duck in the first innings to notch up his maiden international ton (150 off 195) to further his selection prospects for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Sarfaraz Khan made a big impact early in his career, with three half-centuries and a 150 in four Tests so far. The Mumbai star had to wait for a long time to make his India debut despite smashing a plethora of runs season after season in domestic cricket. However, the absence of senior stars in the squad for England Tests paved the way for his debut in international debut. He scored half-centuries in both innings of his debut match in Rajkot.
The 26-year-old made it big with a daddy knock – 150 against New Zealand in the second innings at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The young batter counter-attacked the New Zealand bowlers to rescue India from a tricky position. Sarfaraz Khan’s knock was embellished with 13 fours and four sixes.
However, former Australia spinner Brad Hogg has pointed out a chinks in Sarfaraz Khan’s armor, which will trouble him overseas, especially in SENA countries.
Brad Hogg highlights technical flaw that could trouble Sarfaraz Khan in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg believes that Team India’s middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan should make a few changes to his technique for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, beginning November 22 in Perth. Sarfaraz played a splendid knock in the Men in Blue’s recently concluded Test series opener against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
The 27-year-old was dismissed for a duck in the first innings but redeemed himself by notching up his maiden Test ton in the subsequent innings. He scored 150 runs off 195 deliveries.
While Sarfaraz Khan countered the Kiwi bowlers with great aplomb, Hogg opined that the Indian batter’s habit of keeping his hands very low in his stance against fast bowlers could trouble him on the bouncy Australian pitches.
Speaking in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Hogg said :
“There’s one thing that I’m worried about Sarfaraz Khan moving forward if he goes to places like England, South Africa, and if he’s on the tour here to Australia, where there’s extra bounce, he might find himself in a little bit of trouble with the way that he sets himself up before the fast bowler delivers. Those hands are very low.”
Sarfaraz Khan found a place in the Indian playing XI for the Bengaluru Test after Shubman Gill was unavailable for selection due to pain in his neck and shoulder. Hogg suggested that the Indian think tank should persist with Sarfaraz even if Gill is fully fit for the upcoming second Test. Reckoning that senior batter KL Rahul should be the one making way for Gill, Hogg remarked
“I’d bring Gill in for Rahul now. You’ve got to play Sarfaraz in the next game. He’s made a 150, nearly a match-saving 150 under pressure, you’ve got to keep that momentum going. Rahul has had his opportunities, hasn’t taken those opportunities over the last couple of Test matches.”
KL Rahul received widespread flak following his twin failures in the Bengaluru Test. He registered scores of 0 and 12. India suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the encounter as New Zealand claimed their first-ever Test victory on Indian soil since 1988.
Brad Hogg wants India to play Dhruv Jurel if Rishabh Pant is not fit for second Test
Rishabh Pant sustained a knee injury in the Test series opener against New Zealand. Despite the injury scare, the southpaw delivered a brilliant 99-run knock in India’s second innings.
There is a possibility that KL Rahul will be given the wicketkeeping duties if Pant is rested for the upcoming second Test. Brad Hogg, however, emphasized that Dhruv Jurel should get the nod over Rahul.
The cricketer-turned-expert said in the aforementioned video :
“If Pant is unfit as well, will they play Jurel or will they keep Rahul in there to do the keeping? I’d go with Jurel because you want that backup keeper who’s going to be the future of India moving forward.”
The second Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand will be played in Pune from Thursday, October 24.