VISAKHAPATNAM, AFP: Rohit Sharma said opening the batting suited him across all formats after he hit a century yesterday in his new role in Test cricket against South Africa.

The 32-year-old Sharma – a star of India’s limited-overs side – made 115 on a rain-hit day one of the opening match as India reached 202 without loss in Visakhapatnam.

Sharma and Mayank Agarwal, on 84, made the South African bowlers toil after the hosts elected to bat first at the start of the three-match series.

“I think it suits my game,” Sharma told reporters. “Just wear the pads and go in to bat. I don’t like the waiting game.

“You know the bowlers who are bowling with the new ball, so the game plan is easier for you... At number six, the ball is reversing, field placement is different and you need to keep all those things in mind.”

Rohit hits hundred as India make South Africa toil