Rohit Sharma smashed his way to a fourth Test century and first since December 2018 as India drum rolled its home season with a complete dominance performance against South Africa on Day 1 (Wednesday) of the opening game of a three-match Test series. Sharma remained unbeaten on 115 with India comfortably placed at 202 runs for nought while partner Mayank Agarwal was not out on 84 runs at stumps on Day 1 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Heavy rain forced the umpires to call off the day without a ball being bowled in the final session. Prior to that Tea had to be called early due to bad light before rain intervened and forced stumps. India Vs South Africa, Live Cricket Score 1st Test Match.

At stumps, Rohit Sharma was unbeaten at 115 off 174 balls, with 12 fours and 5 maximums, while Mayank Agarwal was on course for a century, reaching 84 off 183 balls that included 11 boundaries and 2 sixes. Going strong at 202 for no loss in 59.1 overs, India were forced to take tea eight minutes before scheduled time after clouds gathered over the stadium towards the end of the second session. The opening day belonged to Rohit – and Mahatma Gandhi – before rain stole some limelight towards the end. Virat Kohli Equals Sourav Ganguly’s Test Captaincy Record During India vs South Africa, 1st Test 2019.

Stumps It Is!!

Rohit, who was playing his first Test match since the one at Australia last year, was also making his debut as a Test opener. Initially tried to be forced in the middle order before being sat out, Rohit finally found himself in the position he has claimed to be his own in the other formats of cricket. And once at the crease. The 32-year-old proved his mettle with a sublime century. With this century, Rohit also averages 98.33 in Test cricket in India, a record only bettered by the great Don Bradman. (With PTI Inputs).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2019 04:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).