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Rohit Sharma showed the way for India by slamming a brilliant ton against Australia in the first ODI in Perth on Tuesday. His century came in 122 balls. (Scorecard / Blog)
Rohit, who has always been criticised for not doing justice to his talent, looked sure of himself in the first of the five ODIs. The India opener played a chance-less knock, which included seven fours and three sixes. This was Rohit’s ninth ODI ton in 144 ODIs.
After fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan’s early departure, the 28-year-old Rohit continued to build the innings in the presence of No. 3 Virat Kohli. The two took India past the 100-Run mark in 21.2 overs as the run-rate stayed near five-per over. They even surpassed Dhawan-Kohli’s 129-run record for the highest second wicket partnership against Australia in Australia.
After India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni opted to bat, Rohit Sharma was off the blocks with a four off Mitchell Marsh. Courtesy his show, India looked confident in the opening overs till Shikhar Dhawan (9) departed in the seventh over off Mitchell Marsh.
Then came Kohli, and the two showed calm nerves to build a solid partnership. Rohit was the more aggersive of the two as he hit the first six of the match off dubatant Joel Paris in the fourth over.
he brought up his half-century in 63 balls and then increased the tempo of his innings.
Rohit scored the next 50 runs in just 59 balls, which included boundaries against Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. India crossed the 150-run mark in 30.2 overs as Rohit hit James faulkner for a boundary
Australia has been a happy hunting ground for Rohit. He has the highest average against Australia in Australia.
Though Rohit scored centuries in the ODI and Twenty20 series against South Africa at home recently, his failure in the Test series led many to question his place in the team. The century in Perth will surely help shut up his detractors.
Source: NDTV