Rohit Sharma
a prescribed Rohit Sharma He showed exceptionally steely flair to score the eighth and most important century of his Test career, putting India in a fighting position to lead an overall lead of 171 runs after the third day’s play in the fourth Test against England here on Saturday.
Demonstrating incredibly gorgeous defensive technique throughout the series, with unshakable determination, India’s 127 (256 balls) innings of 270 for 3 at the end of the day took all the hard work they put in over the last two years was the result.
153 runs partnership for the second wicket with confidence Cheteshwar Pujara (6 from 127 balls) put India in command position for 236 for 1 before finding quick success with the second new ball to dismiss two sets of batsmen from Ollie Robinson (21-4-67-2) Had given.
While Rohit misjudged the slower ball as he could not put down his pull shot, Robinson bowled an in-cutter that took the inside edge of Pujara’s bat into the pads and flew towards the slips for an easy catch. .
At stumps, Indian captain Virat Kohli (22 batting) looked in good form in the company of Ravindra Jadeja (9 batting), carried once again Ajinkya Rahane.
The Test may not go ahead but one can certainly guarantee a fourth day thanks to Rohit’s scintillating innings. Any target over 225 and close to 250 will be challenging on this track and especially with a batting line-up where Joe Root Is the only consistent artist.
One of the modern-day batsmen, Rohit curbed all his arrogance to present a solid defense during the series but brought out his ‘hit-man’ instincts with straight sixes. Moeen Ali The one who hit the second tier of the Oval stands in the way of his century.
A spirited captain Virat Kohli punched his fist and head coach Ravi Shastri’s calm smile refusing to let go of his lips said it all.
He is one of the most loved ones in that Indian dressing room and this century, which belonged more to the team than Rohit himself, will continue to be a popular milestone in terms of importance.
It took eight years and 43 Test matches to score an overseas century and that too in tough conditions in England, and there would be no second guessing where Rohit’s innings would be between his eight tons.
There was a lot of patience in the beginning when KL Rahul (46) was attacking the bowlers, but between a straight drive at the start and the first cover drive was brought out of the closet at the end of the second hour when James Anderson (23-8-49-1) scored an over-pitch. did. .
Rohit gave some odd chances that Rory Burns failed to capitalize on the slips or the quick pace that caught Chris Woakes at mid-on went on the wrong foot.
However, Pujara should not be denied his share of credit as his counter-attack batting helped Rohit play his shots. The square cut that had been extinct from his game of late was back in the day when he saw vintage Pujara, who would rock back and play those regal shots including a late cut and a ramp shot, which drew applause from most of the audience. Came with thunder. .
Overall, he hit nine boundaries and Moeen Ali’s pull-shot that gave India the lead was a statement for all.
Rohit also played some cracking sweep shots after reaching the 80s after dropping the balls brilliantly during the first session and defended with the bat kept close to his body.
Earlier, Rahul, for good measure, covered Robinson for a boundary and then smacked him for a six. But there were some worrying moments as Robinson found an angle and the on-field umpire only ruled him leg before the batsman was successfully reviewed.
Once Rahul is out, Anderson delivers an over-pitch delivery to Rohit which is sent through the cover area and pulls Craig Overton for another four.
On either side of that boundary, Pujara hit off-drive and square cut off Robinson and Overton respectively. In the second season, which ended without a wicket for England, Rohit and Pujara humiliated the injury with their critically acclaimed performances.
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