New Delhi:
Rohit Sharma answered his Test critics in grand style by smashing a century on the opening day of the Vizag Test against South Africa. Rohit, who was included in the side as an opener to replace KL Rahul, blasted 12 fours and five sixes and also shared a partnership of 202 with Mayank Agarwal to put India on top. This was Rohit's first ton in Tests as an opener and fourth overall but this knock smashed some records and put him in a very prestigious list of players.
Rohit is now the first opener in history to smash four or more hundreds in all formats while he is the only player to score a century in all three formats as an opener. Apart from the Vizag century which is Rohit's first as an opener, Rohit has 25 centuries opening the innings in ODIs while he has four in Twenty20 Internationals.
The Mumbai right-hander is only the second Indian after Suresh Raina to hit a century in all formats but his current run-streak at home is simply amazing. This is Rohit's sixth consecutive fifty-plus score in Tests played in India, with his streak beginning from the New Zealand series in 2016. His current average at home, when one takes into account a minimum of 10 innings as the benchmark, is 98.22 which equals the mark set by Australian cricketing legend Sir Don Bradman.
Also Read | Rohit Sharma 'Opens' His New Chapter In Indian Test Cricket In Grand Style
All four of Rohit's Test centuries have come in India, which includes two against the West Indies in 2013, one against Sri Lanka in 2016 and now against South Africa. However, his overseas record is poor with an average of 26. Rohit, speaking in the press conference after the end of the match, said he was prepared to open the batting in Tests for the last two years and that it suits his game.
Also Read | Rohit Sharma Blasts Fourth Test Ton, First As Opener In Vizag Match Vs South Africa
"I think it (opening) just suits my game, just wear the pads and bat. It was a waiting game, when I used to bat at five or six. I won't say it didn't suit my batting. Your mind is fresh, we know we have to play the new ball. You know the bowlers who will bowl the new ball, these will be the fielders, so the game plan is easier for you," Rohit said.
