1st Test, India vs South Africa Day 2 preview: Rohit gets his hundred, but rain may spoil India’s party

Eyebrows had been raised when the Indian selectors had named Rohit Sharma as Mayank Agarwal’s opening partner for the Test series against South Africa. Rohit put all speculations to rest, getting to a well-paced 115 not out in the 59.1 overs of cricket possible in the day. With him is Agarwal, on his career-best score of 84.

The way things are going, India should be able to bat South Africa out of the Test tomorrow and let the spinners have a crack. However, more rain is predicted over the next two days, which may change the equation completely.

Their unbroken opening stand of 202 is India’s third-best of the decade and best in over four years. Rohit’s last six Test innings on Indian soil read 82, 51*, 102*, 65*, 50*, and 115* – which collectively helped him reach a staggering average of 98.22 at home, the second-best in history with a 15-innings cut-off.

Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander went flat out in the first hour after India opted to bat. There was little in the pitch for the fast bowlers. Rabada beat the bat several times and had Agarwal edge one between slip and gully, but the zing soon wore off.

Keshav Maharaj was introduced in the ninth over. There was no bite to begin with, but Maharaj found turn as the ball got older, beating the bat a few times. Rohit eventually dismissed him over long on for six, while Dane Piedt was hit for sixes by both batsmen.

India, 91 without loss by lunch, accelerated in the second session. Rohit raced into his nineties with consecutive sixes off Piedt, over mid-wicket and long-on. He brought up his hundred by placing Seuran Muthuswamy to cover. Then, after being beaten by Maharaj twice in quick succession, he responded by lofting the latter over square-leg for six.

Key players

Rohit Sharma (India): While Rohit’s hundred may not be good enough to silence his critics, a double-hundred may suffice at least for now. India need to get runs quickly, and who better than an in-form Rohit to do that?

Keshav Maharaj (South Africa): Over years, Maharaj has evolved as South Africa’s finest return since their readmission. It was only towards the end of the day that he got the ball to turn, but he have another chance tomorrow.

Brief scores

India 202 for no loss (Rohit Sharma 115*, Mayank Agarwal 84*) vs South Africa.

Prediction

India to score quickly and declare before stumps – provided it does not rain.