Published 09:51 IST, October 20th 2019
Ind vs SA: Rahane reaches 11th Test ton, Rohit converts century to 150
India's Ajinkya Rahane registered his eleventh Test century off 169 deliveries against South Africa on Day two of the third and final Test in Ranchi on Sunday.
India's Ajinkya Rahane registered his eleventh Test century against South Africa on Day two of the third Test in Ranchi on Sunday. Ajinkya Rahane's gritty knock of 100 runs came off 169 balls, with 14 boundaries and one six. Resuming Day two after rain forced an early halt on Day one, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane began the day with positive intent as they rotated the strike and took quick singles. South Africa's attempt to rattle the Indian batting line-up with a renewed pace attack on a fresh day did not stop the Sharma-Rahane duo from marching on ahead, as India crossed the 250 runs mark on the first session of the day. Rohit Sharma managed to convert his century into a 150-run knock in 199 deliveries while Rahane too looks to capitalize on his innings after scoring his first century in this series. The duo also brought up their 200 runs partnership in the first session on Day two.
Ajinkya Rahane scores first ton in this series
Rohit And Rahane Praised By Indian Batting Coach Vikram Rathour
The Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour in the post-match press conference praised the batting performances displayed by Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. Having lost opener Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli early in the first session, Rohit Sharma along with Ajinkya Rahane steadied the innings for India. The 150-run partnership between the two took the score forward as India crossed the 200-run mark after lunch.
Speaking about the intent shown by the two batsmen, Rathour said, “Ajinkya showed great intent today. Whenever he bats with this intent, he looks a really good player. As I said, they were bowling in good areas and there was some help in the wicket. So, as a batsman, you have to survive during that time, which Rohit did very well," he said.
He then emphasised on Sharma's role as an opener and stated that, "If somebody of his stature starts coming good at the top of the order, that changes everything for the team, even when you are touring. He is such an experienced player; I don't think you need to meddle with his technique. He just had to make some mental adjustments with regard to his gameplan."
Rathour further heaped praises over Rabada bowling. "Rabada is one of the better bowlers in the world at the moment and today he showed why he is rated high. He bowled great areas today. And that is what good batters need to do in Test cricket," he added.
Updated 10:28 IST, October 20th 2019