India vs SA: Rohit slams 176, Mayank strikes maiden ton
What's the story
The Indian cricket team openers batted beautifully to amass a partnership of 317 for the first wicket against South Africa. Their dominance helped India keep up with the momentum in this rain-hit first Test in Vizag. Rohit Sharma, who slammed a ton on Day 1, perished for 176. Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal struck his maiden career Test ton. Here's more on the same.
Dominance
Rohit and Mayank too good against sorry SA
Rohit and Mayank looked positive on Day 2 and scored at a brisk pace to hurt the Proteas. Rohit was on song and scored a brilliant 176. He smashed 23 fours and six sixes at a rate of 72.13. Meanwhile, Mayank looked solid and brought up his maiden century in Tests. The important thing is that he is still unbeaten at the crease.
Twitter Post
A deserved century for Mayank
CENTURY!
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 3, 2019
A fine innings here from @mayankcricket as he brings up his maiden Test 💯#FreedomSeries #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/GSzrjChEEC
Openers
Rohit and Mayank script some superb records
Rohit and Mayank became the third Indian opening pair to amass 300-plus stand in Tests. This was also India's best partnership for any wicket against SA in Test cricket. The two overcame Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid's 268-run stand set in 2008. This was the 10th occasion of two Indian openers scoring a century in a same Test innings.
Records
Records continue to flow in Vizag Test
This was the first time that Indian openers amassed nine sixes in a Test innings. The two now have the second-highest opening stand by a debut opening pair for India in Tests. Rohit, who slammed 177 in his debut Test, hit his second-best career score. Rohit set the record for the highest individual score by an Indian batsman to be dismissed stumped in Tests.
Our take
Mayank-Rohit combination looks solid for India
The Mayank-Rohit combination looks solid for India in Tests. Although, this is just the first time they have opened together, however, one can sense a certain sense of understanding and maturity. This partnership of 317 will add more confidence. Mayank can bat for long periods, whereas, Rohit showed that he can get the big scores like he has done as an opener in limited-overs.