Rohit Sharma century takes India to 267 against Australia

India’s world record holder Rohit Sharma gave Australia’s bowlers an insight into his intentions ahead of the World Cup when he smashed a century in the second match of the tri-series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. Sharma did not threaten the record 264 he blasted in a One Day International against Sri Lanka last year but the Indian opener still made an ominous 138 at almost a run-a-ball. The 27-year-old contributed more than half of India’s imposing total of 267 for eight with only Suresh Raina scoring at least 20 on a good batting pitch. [caption id=“attachment_2052051” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  India’s Rohit Sharma was in fantastic touch. AP[/caption] The Indians might have scored more but were pegged back by a late batting collapse with Australian paceman Mitchell Starc capturing six wickets. India slumped to 59-3 inside the first 13 overs before Sharma and Raina set about rebuilding the innings. They added 126 for the fourth wicket with Raina making a composed 51 off 63 balls, featuring six boundaries. Sharma registered his sixth ODI hundred, and his first at the MCG, which will host this year’s World Cup final. India are the defending champions while Australia are one of the early favourites. Sharma’s 138 came off 139 deliveries and was highlighted by nine boundaries and four sixes. He only departed in the penultimate over when he mistimed a full toss from Starc and holed out to Glenn Maxwell at midwicket. Starc cleaned bowled Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a golden duck but missed out on a hat-trick and finished with career-best figures of 6-43 after claiming four wickets in Friday’s tournament opener against England. Reuters