Watch: Rohit Sharma smokes Nathan Lyon for glorious six on Test return

Rohit Sharma marked his return to Test cricket with some glorious shots, the best of which was a flowing six over long on off Nathan Lyon.

The sumptuous stroke came in the 15th over of India’s first innings in the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and moved Rohit to 17 off 44 balls. Coming down the track, Rohit got a pure connection to register his 424th six in international cricket.

Rohit’s recall was one of the most debated selection issues ahead of the third Test. While he’s one of India’s greatest white-ball batsmen, and averages a healthy 46.54 in Test cricket, that figure only tells half the story. At home, Rohit averages 88.33, but away he averages 26.31.

An injury sustained during the IPL meant Rohit only joined the tour partway through, after missing the first two Tests. However, incumbent opener Mayank Agarwal’s poor form, coupled with Rohit’s record opening the batting after a promotion in 2019 – he averaged 92.66 in five Tests coming into this game – meant he was picked for this game.

For a while, his languid limbs and unhurried efforts suggested that Rohit was on his way to overturning his poor overseas form. But having progressed slowly, but serenely to 26, he popped a return catch to Josh Hazlewood and had to depart.

Rohit at least left one gift to cricket fans watching, and you can watch the beautiful shot for six below.