Rohit Sharma, the newly selected opener for India in Tests, failed to score a single run in a practise game against South Africa in Vizianagaram. The right hander lasted two deliveries while opening for Board President’s XI along with Mayank Agarwal. The guests had earlier declared their first innings on 279/6.
Sharma fell victim to Protea pacer Vernon Philander in the 2nd over of BPXI’s innings, as the batsman was caught behind by Heinrich Klaasen. And this unfortunate dismissal was his last outing before the first test against South Africa starts on October 2. The South Africans however, declared their first innings at 279/6 on the final day of the match after Philander was declared out on 48 with Temba Bavuma remaining unbeaten on 87 off 127 balls.
As for BPXI, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja was the star performer for his side with 3 wickets to his name including skipper Faf du Plessis (9). Bengal’s young fast bowler Ishan Porel and Umesh Yadav picked one wicket apiece for the hosts.
BPXI ended the test with a draw, notching 265/8 after 64 overs. Priyank Panchal (60), Siddhesh Lad (52) and Srikar Bharat (71) were on form as Keshav Maharaj picked 3 wickets for the Proteas.
Earlier this month, the selection committee led by MSK Prasad had excluded KL Rahul for the upcoming Test series against South Africa with Rohit Sharma getting the nod from the team management and the selectors to open in red ball cricket as well.
