India opener Rohit Sharma etched his name in the record books after scoring a century in the fourth Test of the five-match series against England at Kennington Oval on Saturday.
Sharma has now struck 9 tons, the most by an Indian batsman in England surpassing former India captain Rahul Dravid who had 8 centuries to his name in the country.
The right-handed batsman achieved the feat during India’s second innings of the fourth Test. Apart from this, he has now become the only visiting batsman to have scored a hundred in all three formats in England.
Sir Don Bradman holds the record for scoring most number of centuries (11) in England.
The opener’s ton helped India stay in front in this encounter as the visitors nullified the first innings lead that they had conceded against the hosts. India were trailing by 99 runs at the start of the innings but a cautious start from Rohit and KL Rahul helped the visitors overcome the pressure.
The two openers put 83 runs for the first wicket before Rahul departed for 46 but Sharma continued with his form and stitched another important stand of 153 runs for the second wicket with Cheteshwar Pujara.
Pujara also notched up a half-century during the course. India were 270/3, leading by 171 runs with captain Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja still at the crease when the stumps were called on Day 3.
The five-match series is presently levelled at 1-1. The first encounter at Nottingham ended in a draw after rain played spoilsport while the Kohli-led side clinched a comprehensive win by 151 runs in the second Test at Lord’s.
England then made a fine comeback in the series and thumped India by an innings and 76 runs in the third clash to equalise the series.