‌WATCH | Ajinkya Rahane shines in County Championship with century after 19-month drought

ByArijit Kundu, SportsCafe Editor

09/02/2024

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There is a popular saying that form is temporary but class is permanent. Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane exemplified the trend in the ensuing County Championship as he blazed an elegant boundary to rack up a first century in 19 months, a statement to the selectors ahead of India’s home Test season.

On the back of Dan Douthwaite and Timm van der Gugten’s four-for, Leicestershire was bundled out for 251 in the first innings. Colin Ingram’s massive 257* knock helped Glamorgan earn a lead of 299 runs before Leicestershire had to bat on the fourth day of the Test. With three wickets down for 74 in 23 overs, Leicestershire was in a spot of bother when Rahane and Peter Handscomb soaked the pressure and forged a 183 runs stand to force a draw. In the process, the Indian batter struck a century that became the talk of the town in the Indian cricketing fraternity.

When Rahane was batting at 96, Kiran Carlson bowled a length delivery outside the off stump at the batter. The Mumbaikar rocked back and made room to maneuver the off-side field. He slashed at the leg break and threaded the gap between point and cover to earn a boundary. Right after, Rahane unstripped the helmet and raised the bat to mark his maiden County Championship ton for Leicestershire and his second overall in the competition. With a packed fixture ahead for the Indian cricket side, Rahane’s century in overseas conditions can be a good headache for the BCCI selectors.

Brilliant Century!