If a century on his debut as Test opener was not enough, Rohit Sharma equalled Don Bradman’s feat of highest average in home conditions (minimum 10 innings). The right-handed batsman, in fact, will leapfrog Bradman’s record should he add runs to his tally tomorrow. At stumps, Rohit was batting on 115*. He, along with Mayank Agarwal, will resume India’s innings on day 2.
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Rohit may not have a good record overseas but his home record is quite glittering. He had started his Test career with twin centuries against West Indies in 2013. His third century had also come at home against Sri Lanka. With his fourth Test century today, he equalled Bradman’s tally to level the legendary batsman.
Bradman retired from Test cricket with an average of 99.94 but at home, he averaged 98.22. Adam Voges follows the duo on the list. Hie retired with a home average of 86.25. Overall, his average is 61.87.
Voges had made his Test debut against West Indies in 2015 and scored a century on debut. Once during his career, he also averaged more than Bradman but it came down soon.
Douglas Jardine and Geroge Headley have a home average of 81.66 and 77.56. Rohit, in all likeliness, will overtake Bradman on day 2 but it is likely to drop down soon.
With his century, Rohit also took a step towards reviving his Test career. After he failed to get a place in the playing XI during the West Indies series, the Indian team management asked him to open the innings in the absence of regular opener KL Rahul.
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Rohit was backed by skipper Virat Kohli and team management to settle down in the role and Rohit made most out of the opportunity with a century.
He played free and did not shy away from stepping out to play big hits. In total, he hit five sixes, all of which landed way behind the ropes. India are in a dominant position and the South African bowlers have their task cut out on day 2.