Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal Join Incredible Elite List After 317-Run Stand

Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal did not take any time at all to gel as India’s latest opening pair in Tests. The team-management would be absolutely delighted with the way the two performed in the ongoing first Test against South Africa in Vizag.  In the last couple of years, India have struggled for consistency from their top-order.

The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul failed to justify the faith shown in them. Prithvi Shaw showed promise but injury and a positive drug test soon sidelined him. India finally tested Rohit Sharma as opener alongside newcomer Agarwal and the start has been very promising.

Both the openers scored century and shared a mammoth stand of 317 runs before Rohit departed for a well-made 176. Rohit reached his ton on day one while Agarwal reached the triple-digit mark in the first session of day two. Keshav Maharaj gave South Africa the much-needed breakthrough when he had Rohit stumped after the latter played his career-best knock.

Also Read: Watch: Team India Gives Mayank Agarwal Standing Ovation After His Century

The 300-plus partnership, meanwhile, has put Rohit and Agarwal in an elite list. The duo became just the third opening pair from India to share a partnership of 300 runs or more. Former batsmen Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy hold the record for their mammoth 413-run stand against New Zealand in 1956.

Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag are second in the list for their 410-run stand against Pakistan in 2006. Rohit and Mayank are third in the list for their 317-run stand. No other opening pair has managed to touch or cross the 300-run mark. The all-time record is held by former South African pair Neil McKenzie and Graeme Smith. The former openers had shared a 415-run stand against Bangladesh in 2008.

Here is a list showing the highest opening stand for India in Tests: