Published 18:53 IST, October 20th 2019
Rohit Sharma breaks the record of this legendary batsman against SA
Rohit Sharma broke the record of Sir Donald Bradman in the third and final Test against South Africa on Sunday. He scored his maiden double century (212).
Rohit Sharma has made a splendid come back to the game's longest format in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. He had scored centuries in both innings of the first Test at Vizag. Even though he failed to capitalise at Pune, Rohit played an important knock for his side when it mattered the most after India were reduced to 39/3. Sharma along with Ajinkya Rahane then steadied the Indian innings. The two then toyed around with the Proteas bowling as they added 267 runs for the fourth-wicket stand as the 'Hitman' brought up his maiden double century. Meanwhile, Sharma has also made a new record.
Rohit breaks Don Bradman's record
During his incredible knock at Ranchi on Sunday, Rohit Sharma surpassed Australian legend Sir Donald Bradman's record of highest average in Test cricket on home soil in the longest format of the game. Bradman had an average of 98.22 at home in the game's longest format which was shattered by the Mumbai batsman after his first double century as his average rose to 99.84.
Rohit Sharma scored 212 and while Ajinkya Rahane made a solid 115 as India declared their innings at 497/9. South Africa were reduced to 9/2 before bad light stopped play.
Record breaker
With his double century knock, the Mumbai Indians captain surpassed cricketing legend Don Bradman for the highest Test average at home. Sharma has an average of 99.84 whereas the Australian has 98.22. On the records, Rohit said, "I don't think a lot about the records, because when you bat you don't know what all happens -which all records break and which records are going to be made. But these records, I will see when I stop playing. I won't see them right now.
On making the most of the opportunities
"Whenever we get an opportunity we want to make sure that we make full use of the opportunity in a good manner and perform in the best way you can. Even for me, when there was an opportunity - which was a good opportunity to bat at the top - I wanted to make full use of it or else a lot would have happened. I know it, you (reporters) would have written a lot about it. But now you will write good things about me."
Updated 20:21 IST, October 20th 2019