SA rocked after Rohit’s double ton

Right now I’ve played only three Test matches as an opener, so long way to go now. So I’m not reading too much into these three Test matches, of course I’ll take a lot of positives from it. But I’m not reading too much into it.

ROHIT SHARMA, INDIA OPENER

Rohit Sharma struck his maiden double Test century Sunday 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 (115) 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.

Zubayr Hamza, on nought, and skipper Faf du Plessis, on one, were at the crease when bad light stopped play for the second successive day.

Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami struck with the second ball of the innings to get the left-handed Dean Elgar caught behind for nought.

Umesh Yadav joined forces to send Quinton de Kock packing for four after the batsman tried to fend off a bouncer that caught his glove and was safely taken by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha.

The day belonged to Sharma who reached 200 with a six off paceman Lungi Ngidi in the third over after lunch, to a standing ovation from the raucous home crowd.

The in-form opener hit another six off Ngidi before falling to Rabada and returned to the pavilion with handshakes from the South African side.

SCORES IN BRIEF

INDIA: First innings 497 for 9 declared (Sharma 212, Rahane 115, Jadeja 51, Saha 24, Yadav 31; Rabada 3-85, Linde 4-133)

SOUTH AFRICA: First innings 9 for 2.