Rohit hits double ton as SA struggle

Rohit Sharma struck his maiden double Test century yesterday to put India on top of the third match against South Africa after the hosts declared on 497 for nine.

Sharma made 212 and was involved in a 267-run fourth wicket partnership with Ajinkya Rahane to pulverise South Africa’s bowling in Ranchi.

The tourists were in trouble at nine for two, with Indian fast bowlers sending the opposition openers back to the pavilion in Ranchi.

The day belonged to Sharma who reached 200 with a six off paceman Lungi Ngidi in the third over after lunch. The in-form opener hit another six off Ngidi before falling to Rabada.

Sharma - who hit twin centuries in his debut as Test opener at the start of the series - pulled India out of early trouble with his marathon stand with Rahane, who made 115.

The senior batsman, playing his 30th Test, surpassed his previous best of 177 on his debut against the West Indies in 2013.

Sharma, who has three double centuries in his already illustrious one-day career, smashed the ball all around the park as he hit 28 fours and six sixes in his 255-ball stay.
Rahane, who started Sunday on 83, became George Linde’s first Test victim and the only Indian wicket to fall in the morning session.

India: 497/9 decl (Rohit Sharma 212, Ajinkya Rahane 115, Ravindra Jadeja 51, George Linde 4/133)

South Africa 9/2.

-AFP