India’s newly appointed Test opener Rohit Sharma was able to grab his opportunity with both hands as he scored a fine hundred in the first innings against South Africa at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The stylish batsman played with guile as he gave the first hour to the bowlers before catapulting his attack. This was Rohit Sharma’s fourth Test century and his first century as a Test opener.
Read More: Vijay Hazare 2019-20: Manish Pandey Scores A Century, KL Rahul Shines Once Again
Once Rohit Sharma was able to settle himself at the crease, there was no one stopping him. The right-hander made good use of the feet to get to the pitch of the ball against South African spinners. The talismanic scored four sixes and ten fours in his blistering knock as he batted at the top of his game to bring up his ton in 154 balls.
The right-hander is on a song.
Rohit Sharma did the hard work upfront against the South African fast bowlers. The right-hander was circumspect in his approach as he respected the good balls and waited for the loose balls to score his runs. Thus, the stylish batsman was able to attack the Proteas spinners.
Consequently, Rohit Sharma will like to continue his good form going. He has been in sublime form in the white-ball format and he was able to take the same form in the Test fold. Hence, this innings will help him cement his place in the Test side.
On the other hand, Mayank Agarwal gave great support to Rohit Sharma. The pair have added 202 runs for the opening stand to help India get off to a fine start.
Read More: Kapil Dev Resigns From Chief Post Of Cricket Advisory Committee
Meanwhile, South African bowlers were not able to create a lot of chances as Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma batted with guile. There were an occasional play and miss but the Proteas failed to hit the consistent line and length.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Rohit Sharma’s century:
4th Test Century. 1st as an opener. Rohit has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Well played ☺️? #IndvSA
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 2, 2019
Rohit Sharma hits his fourth Test hundred, his first as an opener.
Looked determined to excel as a Test opener. Rohit’s ODI career transformed completely once he began opening. Remember his impressive knock v SA in CT 2013 where he started as full-time opener #INDvSA— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 2, 2019
Wah @ImRo45 Brilliant 100.. dress blue ho ya white koi fark nahi padta.. Rohit HiT hai bhai ? @BCCI @StarSportsIndia #INDvSA
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 2, 2019
Like Sehwag, Rohit Sharma too scores a hundred on debut at No.6 and a hundred on debut as an opener. #RohitSharma #INDvSA
— Nitin Naik (@toi_nitinnayak) October 2, 2019
The sun has risen again.
Century in the first game as a Test opener, at home. Hopefully it builds upto many more touring.
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 2, 2019
Rohit Sharma becomes the first Indian player to score a century in each Tests, ODIs and T20Is as an opener.
There is no substitute for talent.#INDvSA
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) October 2, 2019
Imagine being KL Rahul now. Needed just a good score or two in West Indies to be opening today on this pitch. #INDvSA
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) October 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/AhirHari45/status/1179275323667599361?s=20
Century for Rohit Sharma. Fine, fine knock even if the SA bowling has looked inadequate. Came at a time when his Test career was piquantly poised. Opening slot secured, up to him now how makes the future count
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 2, 2019
Rohit Sharma:
Century on Test debut
Century on opening debut #IndvSA— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) October 2, 2019
First test as an opener and Rohit Sharma answers his detractors in style. What an important 100!
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) October 2, 2019
That's a timely Test hundred for Rohit Sharma. His presence at the top of the order guarantees one thing: entertainment.#INDvSA
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) October 2, 2019
Take a bow #RohitSharma ! He is too good a player not to be playing Test Match Cricket. #INDvSA
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) October 2, 2019