Rohit Sharma slams his maiden double century in Tests

India's Rohit Sharma continued to pile agony for the South Africans as he went along his merry way on the second day of the ongoing third Test in Ranchi.

Resuming the day's play at his overnight score of 117, Sharma continued to treat the opposition's bowlers with disdain. Smashing them to all parts of the park with ease, the stylish right-hander surpassed his 150 quickly, with Rahanegiving good company at the other end. The duo put on a massive 267-run stand for the fourth wicket before Rahane got out for a well-made 115.

Sharma though looked in no mood of easing his foot off the accelerator. The 32-year-old posted his highest Test score and stood at 199* before the umpires called for lunch, leaving him to endure 40 nervous minutes.

Adding to the drama and making the fans wait a bit longer, Sharma was made to play a maiden over post lunch. However, the formality inevitably followed soon when the 'hitman' tonkedNgidi for a handsome six over mid-wicket to reach his first double hundred in Test cricket in style. The dashing player notched up 200 off just 249 balls, which included 28 fours and 5 sixes.

With the feat, Rohit Sharma also became the fourth batsman in the game's history to score double hundreds in ODIs and Tests. He now stands in the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, VirenderSehwag and Chris Gayle, who are the other three batsmen to have accounted for the record.

The stunning knock though was cut short by KagisoRabada as Sharma picked Ngidi at the fine leg fence to depart for 212. The opening batsman was given a warm send off by the South African players, who congratulated him as he walked off the ground.