Finally, after not converting starts in the series against England and earlier in Australia, Rohit Sharma scored his first century in an overseas Test. He smashed Moeen Ali over long-on in the afternoon session of the third day to reach the marquee landmark.
He has been the best Indian batsman so far in the series against England and it was only fitting that his century is setting up the game for the tourists.
He smashed 12 fours and one six to reach the three-figure mark.
India were trailing behind by 99 runs and he led the riposte with the opening partnership with Rahul and then carried on with a 100-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara to take India’s lead closer to 100.
He had scored 83 in the second Test at Lord’s but was undone by James Anderson’s jaffa and the right-hander was more than eager to get the monkey of not having an away ton off his back. He has amassed more than 300 runs across the four Tests of the series so far and with Rahul has formed a nearly impermeable wall for the England bowlers.
Earlier in the day, he also went past the 3000-run mark in Tests on the back of eight hundred and 14 half-centuries.