Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Much like his 161-run knock against England in the 2021 Chennai Test, Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression to score his maiden Test hundred against Australia in Nagpur.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2023 14:21 IST
Rohit Sharma and the art of hitting Test hundreds on difficult pitches (AP Photo)
By Saurabh Kumar: 2021 Chennai Test. 2023 Nagpur Test. Rohit Sharma showcased that he is not just a six-hitting tormentor in limited-overs cricket but a technically-sound batter in red-ball cricket. Having missed out on multiple opportunities in whites in the past, Rohit seems to be scripting his own legacy in Test cricket.
India vs Australia, 1st Test Day 2 Updates
Rohit has been India’s lone warrior in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia in Nagpur. While nightwatchman R Ashwin’s knock of 23 was the next best, Rohit has been India’s standout batter, reaching his ninth Test century off 171 deliveries on the second afternoon of the match and scripting a marvelous piece of history for India.
Rohit began on a brilliant note after India bowled out Australia for 177 on Day 1. At the end of the first day, his unbeaten 56-run knock cut India’s deficit to 100. He maintained his momentum on the second morning, but regular dismissals at the other end prompted him to temper his aggression. On his 171st delivery, he reached the three-figure mark with a lofted shot over mid-off against Todd Murphy.
Rohit’s knock is a masterclass in controlled aggression as the Indian captain continues to carry the hosts towards a strong first-innings lead despite not getting enough support from the other end. This knock will remind one of Rohit’s 2021 Chennai hundred.
ROHIT’s 161 vs ENG
India were expected to decimate England at home after a historic series win in Australia, but the series got off to the worst possible start as the Virat Kohli-led side were thrashed by the Three Lions by a staggering 227-run margin in the first Test. The second Test was played on a rank-turner, and India appeared to be in deep trouble at one point after losing their skipper Virat Kohli for a duck, but what followed was a masterclass of the highest order from Rohit Sharma.
After failing twice in the first Test, Rohit produced arguably the “best knock of his Test career,” bludgeoning a stunning 161 in what was dubbed a “sandpit” in Chennai. Rohit’s authority and audacity helped India bat England out of the Test on the first day, propelling the hosts to stage a fine comeback and level the series.
Since Day 1, the pitch was a turning square, and someone needed to play a bold knock to seize the initiative. Rohit followed suit. His innings in Chennai were not only a reminder of his immense talent but also solid proof of his astute cricketing mind. Rohit read the situation perfectly and went on to play a brilliant knock.
India eventually won the series 3-1, and in a post-series interview, skipper Virat Kohli cited Rohit’s knock in the second Test as the series turning point. Kohli stated that Rohit’s incredible knock gave the team the confidence they needed and that it was the best knock of the Mumbaikar’s red-ball career.
