Ajinkya Rahane scores a hundred on county debut

On a day Team India landed in England to begin its World Cup campaign, Ajinkya Rahane scored 119 off 197 balls against Nottinghamshire.

Ajikya Rahane became the third Indian to score a hundred on county debut. (File Picture)

On the day Team India landed in England to begin its World Cup campaign, Ajinkya Rahane scored a  hundred on County debut for Hampshire.

Rahane, who did not make it to Team India's 15-member World Cup squad, struck 119 off 197 balls (14 fours) in the second innings against Nottinghamshire at the Newclose County Cricket Ground.

Rahane walked in at No 3 in the fifth over of the innings and was dismissed by off-spinner Matthew Carter at the stroke of tea in the 70th over.

Rahane's ton came close on the heels of a disappointing Indian Premier League, where he scored 393 runs in 14 matches for the Rajasthan Royals, with one century.

The right-hander was earlier replaced by Steve Smith as the skipper of the Royals squad. Rahane, the first-ever Indian cricketer to represent Hampshire, will feature in eight Specsavers County Championship fixtures throughout May, June and start of July, subject to visa clearance. The Mumbai-based cricketer will replace South African Aiden Markram, who will join the national team for the World Cup.

“I am excited to be the first Indian to play for Hampshire, a county which has a glowing reputation. I hope to score runs and win as a team. I would like to thank the BCCI for allowing me to play,” Rahane had said.