ENG vs IND: 'There were talks within team management, knew it was last chance' - Rohit Sharma on his century

India opening batter Rohit Sharma finally managed to break his overseas century draught as he scored a gritty 127 runs off 256 balls in the fourth Test at The Oval. This was not a typical innings from the elegant right-hand batter, as he had to curb his natural instincts before he could play his shots. Also, this hundred was one of his slowest as compared to his other seven Test hundreds.

But Sharma was determined to not throw his start this time around and helped India to get to a commanding position at the end of Day 3 against England. The 34-year-old made his Test debut way back in 2013 against West Indies but could not quite play those substantial innings in the red-ball format. But the year 2019 brought about a refreshing change as his stupendous run in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2019 enabled the management to give him another chance, this time at the top in Test cricket.

While speaking to a press conference after the conclusion on Day 3, Sharma spoke about how he was ready to make this opportunity count.

“In the back of my mind, I knew this was the last chance for me (Tests), trying another position in the batting order. When the offer came to me to open the batting, I was very much aware of it because the talks were happening within the management at some stage,” Rohit said.

“I batted in the middle order before and, things didn't go as per the way I wanted it to and, I knew this was my last opportunity to try out and you know management is thinking whatever I want to try. 

Sharma’s efforts propelled India to 270 for three at stumps on Day 3 of the ongoing Oval Test. Along with Sharma, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara also made vital contributions.