India in charge after Sharma century

Rohit Sharma answered the naysayers in style as he eased his way to his fourth Test century on Day One of the first Test against South Africa on Wednesday in Visakhapatnam, in what was his maiden innings as India’s opener.

India ended the rain-interrupted day on 202 without loss, with Sharma unbeaten on 115 and Mayank Agarwal batting on 84.

Sharma extended a stellar home record in the longest format and his average of 98.22 at stumps is the same as that of Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman. This is the highest average for a batsman with 10 or more innings at home.

He said opening suited him across all formats after he hit a century in his new role in Test cricket against South Africa.

“I think it suits my game,” Sharma told reporters. “Just wear the pads and go in to bat. I don’t like the waiting game. You know the bowlers who are bowling with the new ball, so the game plan is easier for you. At number six, the ball is reversing, field placement is different and you need to keep all those things in mind.”

A sudden thunderstorm forced the umpires to call tea early, and no further play was possible after heavy rains lashed the coastal city.

“Opening the batting is a different ball game in red-ball cricket. Of course, mentally you have to train your mind more than anything else,” he said.

“You have to challenge yourself to play the new ball and take the game forward.”

Both Sharma and Agarwal -- who hit 11 fours and two sixes -- took apart the opposition bowling in the second session of play as India scored 111 runs after taking lunch at 91-0.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: First innings 202 for no loss (Agarwal 84 not out, Sharma 115 not out)