IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Rohit Sharma Enters Elite Company With Masterful Century Against England

The skipper’s slump subsided finally, as Rohit Sharma went on a rampage, notching a stellar century against England in the third Test of the five-match series, in Rajkot today.

Spirits weren’t necessarily high for Rohit coming into the innings today, after having failed to convert any of his previous four outings in the series so far.

But,  the ‘Hitman’ would finally live up to his billing and put on a show for all to see, as he masterfully mustered an innings-stabilizing century, with the aid of Ravindra Jadeja on the other side of the crease, with whom he went on to strike up a 200-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

But, it wouldn’t just be the tale of his innings. In fact, Rohit Sharma’s century granted him permission to enter an elite group of batters that include the likes of Vijay Merchant, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay.

Rohit’s century today was the third of his career against England, the second-most Test hundreds scored as an opener for India against the English side, with the only opening batter having scored more being Sunil Gavaskar with 4 hundreds.

India started off looking confident with Jaiswal and Rohit getting off the mark in quick succession with stellar drives that had the ball running to the boundary with ease.

But, Wood stuck lightning with his initial spell, bowling tight lines and tempting the likes of both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to take a swipe and nick easy ones to get dismissed early on as India were poised at a worrisome 24-2 within the sixth over of their first innings.

Rajat Patidar came in next, and James Anderson kept the new man on his toes with menacing tempters, that just wouldn’t allow Patidar to get off the mark, before he ultimately departed for a soft dismissal off Tom Hartley’s delivery.

With the weight of the situation all on his shoulders, Rohit seemed to have his mind set on steadily building his innings, and with the help of a patient Jadeja on the other end, Rohit breathed life back into the Indian innings.

The duo took turns picking their moments to accelerate and play it safe alternatively, to build up a mammoth 200-run partnership.

Rohit would ultimately reach his century in the 53rd over, with a double off Rehan Ahmed, as the skipper stepped up to the plate with his team needed him the most.