Everything you need to know about Rohit Sharma’s first away Test century

Indian opener Rohit Sharma scored his first Test century away from home during India’s second innings against England in the fourth Test at the Oval.

Since making his Test debut in 2013 against West Indies as a middle-order batsman, Sharma put years of frustration behind him by scoring his eighth Test hundred with a six. It was the third instance in the 34-year-old’s career that he completed his Test century with a six. Only Sachin Tendulkar has done it more times (six) than Rohit Sharma.

It took the opener a whopping 47 innings to score his first away hundred in Test cricket. Only three other players - Anil Kumble (78 innings), Ian Redpath (64 innings) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (52 innings) - took more innings than the Indian opener to get their first away Test hundred.

Considering all forms of cricket, it was Rohit’s ninth century in England - most by any Indian - and this helped him surpass former captain, Rahul Dravid’s tally of eight centuries in the country. He now has as many Test hundreds in England as Sir Vivian Richards. Don Bradman still holds the record for most centuries (11) in England.

Rohit Sharma also became only the second player to score a hundred in England in all three formats. He joins KL Rahul in the elusive list. 

Despite making his debut in 2013, Rohit Sharma’s Test career took off in 2019 when he was included in India’s squad for South Africa’s visit. Before 2019, the opening batsman had only scored three hundreds. Since 2019 though, he has hit five centuries in Test cricket which is the most by any opener during the timeframe.

Sharma stitched a 153-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara in the second innings which helped India reach 270/3 at stumps. India currently has a lead of 171 runs with seven wickets in hand.

Featured photo: AFP / Daniel Leal-Olivas