Rohit Sharma Smashes a Six to Grab his 6th Test Century

Indian batsman Rohit Sharma scored his sixth Test century during the third Test against South Africa in Ranchi on Saturday. At the 95 mark, Sharma wound up and sent a Dane Piedt delivery straight over his head for a maximum to bring up his third century of the Test series.

With this, Rohit Sharma equalled Sunil Gavaskar’s record of most number of centuries in a series by an Indian opener.

The right-handed batsman also surpassed West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer to hit the most number of sixes in a Test series. On a more local note, this record was previously held by Harbhajan Singh, who smashed 14 sixes against New Zealand in 2010.

Before the test kicked off, India won the toss and elected to bat. Kagiso Rabada struck twice inside the first 10 overs to put India on the back foot.

It got worse for the Men in Blue as Anrich Nortje got his first international wicket. The bowler dismissed Virat Kohli for 12, leaving India reeling at 39 for three at one stage.

Then, vice captain Ajinkya Rahane joined hands with Rohit Sharma in the middle. From that point onwards, they wreaked havoc in the first session. Rahane and Rohit then capitalised in the second session and put on 150-plus stand at Tea on Day 1.

It was worth noting that in the 45th over, light rain poured in the stadium, to Sharma’s chagrin. The Mumbai batsman was spotted groaning and mouthing, “Not now!”, as Mother Nature threatened to play spoilsport.

Unfortunately, bad light and rain forced the officials to call off play with over 30 overs left in the day. India finished the opening day at 224 for three. Rohit Sharma is currently unbeaten on 117. Meanwhile Rahane is aiming to pile on more misery for South Africa as he eyes his 11th Test century, is batting on 83.