India vs SA: Openers Rohit, Mayank script this special record
What's the story
Indian Test openers Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal walked out to bat for the first time together and immediately scripted a special record. The two batsmen broke a 47-year-old record. This happened after Indian captain Virat Kohli chose to bat in the first Test match against South Africa in Vizag. Here is more on the same.
The record
The record and what happened in 1971?
Rohit and Mayank became the first Indian opening pair in 47 years to play their first match on home soil. The last time this happened for India was when Sunil Gavaskar and Ramnath Parkar opened the innings way back in 1972 in Delhi against England. Parkar was making his Test debut, whereas, Gavaskar was playing his first match as an opener on home soil.
Background
The story of these two prior to this Test
This is Rohit's first Test match as an opener of the Indian cricket team. Prior to this, he played 27 Tests and in all these matches, he featured in the middle order. He was promoted as an opener after an inconsistent KL Rahul was dropped. Meanwhile, Mayank has featured in four Tests prior to this match. All of his Tests were outside the sub-continent.
Information
Rohit, Mayank give India the perfect start
The two players gave India a dream start against SA. In the first session, India managed 91/0 in 30 overs. Rohit slammed 52*, whereas, Mayank is unbeaten on 39. The Proteas were disciplined with the ball and credit to the two for showing their solidity.
Rohit
Can Rohit go on to get a big one?
Rohit couldn't have asked for a better start. He batted wisely to see out the threat of Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander early on. Once the spinners came in, Rohit grew in confidence and played some brilliant shots. The work isn't done yet. He needs to bat on and get a big score. This will help India gain the authority over SA.