Chennai Test: Pant, Axar take India to 300 for 6 at stumps

In Cricket,Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel take India to 300/6 at stumps. Earliar, Rohit Sharma with his fourth 150-plus score in Test cricket, allowing India to get past early jitters and take a commanding position on Day 1 of the second Test against England at the Chepauk Stadium on Saturday. At 86 for 3, India looked to have thrown away any chance of batting themselves into a strong position on a pitch where runs are going to be harder to come by as the match progresses. In the company of Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma helped India recover from a top-order collapse as he broke a flurry of records en route to his 7th Test hundred. Rohit dragged the hosts back into the contest by smashing 161 before getting dismissed by Jack Leach. Rohit forged a 162-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane in the 2nd Test. Rohit became the first player to hit 200 sixes in international cricket at home during his magnificent knock against England in Chennai. Rohit also became the 1st cricketer to slam a hundred against four countries in all the formats of the game. 

After the opening Test was played behind closed doors, 15,000 fans were allowed back in the stadium and Rohit gave them plenty to cheer about. This is Rohit Sharma's fourth century in the World Test Championship, which is the highest by an Indian batsman. Australia's Marnus Labuschagne leads the overall list with five centuries to his name, with Rohit behind him. Ashwin was caught by Pope in Root's over. Pant in the middle with debutant Axar. Moeen dismissed Rahane for 67.