Ajinkya Rahane begins his county stint on great way

XtraTime Web Desk:Ajinkya Rahane made his county debut memorable for Hampshire as he scored century in the second innings against Nottinghamshire. He became only the third Indian after Piyush Chawla and Murali Vijay to do so on debut in the county championship.

Hampshire batted first and scored 310 runs in the first innings. Rahane failed to impress as he scored just 10 in 34 balls. Nottinghamshire fell short by 71 runs.

In the second innings, Hampshire lost their openers Joe Weatherley and Oliver Soames early. Captain Sam Northeast joined Rahane and stitched a 257-run partnership for the third wicket. Rahane eventually got out for 119, while Northeast also scored a century.

Rahane was given a standing ovation by the Newport crowd as he walked to the pavilion after having scored a 197-ball 119 on Wednesday, the third and penultimate day of the match. He was dismissed just before the tea break on Day 3, his off stump knocked over by Nottinghamshire spinner Matthew Carter.

Rahane’s knock, which was laced with 14 fours, came at a handsome strike rate of 60.41. Resuming on his overnight score of 0*, Rahane combined with Hampshire skipper Sam Northeast to bat out the whole of the first two sessions of the day. The pair put on 257 runs for the third wicket, after Hampshire had been reduced to 9/2.

With four sessions of cricket still to be played, Hampshire currently have a lead of 337 runs in the match, already having secured the first innings lead over Nottinghamshire.