WATCH: Mark Wood Loses Cool, Tries to Mess with Sarfaraz Khan for Playing Sachin Tendulkar-like Ramp Shot

Sarfaraz Khan struck a brilliant half-century, dashing England’s hopes to make a comeback on the second day of the ongoing fifth Test in Dharamsala. It was his third half-century in Test cricket which led India’s counterattack in the second session after losing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in quick succession. The 26-year-old forged a 97-run stand with debutant Devdutt Padikkal, keeping the England bowlers at bay.

IND vs ENG 5th Test Day 2 Live

Sarfaraz took a cautious approach in the beginning, especially after getting dropped on 2 by Ben Stokes off his own bowling. A couple of boundaries against Tom Hartely filled him with confidence, such that he didn’t hesitate to take on seasoned Mark Wood in the 76^th over with some gorgeous shots, of them resembling to legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s classic ramp shot.

Wood was visibly agitated after getting beaten as he tried getting under the Indian batter’s skin. Next up was a dot ball and Sarfaraz was well within the crease but the English quick tried kicking the ball onto the stumps. It didn’t hit the wickets but Wood was seen murmuring a few words before heading back to his bowling mark.

The tactic failed terribly as Sarfaraz welcomed Wood in his next over with a boundary and a six. Batting on 43, Sarfaraz struck two more boundaries to reach his half-century.

His promising innings came to an end right after the tea break as Shoaib Bashir got his man. The English off-spinner bowled at a shorter length but Sarfaraz tried playing it with an open bat face and guided it to Joe Root at first slip.

Earlier, Ben Stokes returned to bowling in Test cricket after 9 months and cleaned up Rohit Sharma off the very first ball. The England captain finally decided to roll his arm over in a match situation after nothing went England’s way in the morning session. He produced a peach that seamed away a touch from good length to dislodge Rohit’s off-stump. In the next over, James Anderson bowled Gill with a beauty that seamed back in, leaving India at 279 for three.

But the duo of Sarfaraz and debutant southpaw Devdutt Padikkal ensured runs kept flowing for the hosts. They took the score to a commanding 376 for 3 at tea as India extended their first-innings lead to 158 runs.