India batter Tilak Varma had a memorable County debut as the southpaw hammered a century on his Hampshire debut. The 22-year-old, who was unbeaten on 98 against Essex on the opening day, completed his sixth first-class century on the second day. However, the southpaw fell right after reaching his milestone, as former South Africa captain Dean Elgar caught him off Simon Harmer’s bowling. Tilak Varma demonstrated that he is not just a big-hitting white-ball tyro, constructing a patient knock after coming to the crease while facing the hat-trick ball. He showed remarkable restraint during a 241-ball vigil to help Hampshire build a measured response to Essex’s first-innings total of 296. Tilak has played four ODIs and 25 T20Is for India and has impressed for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, but has played only 18 first-class matches. He will feature in four County Championship matches for Hampshire. “Test cricket is my favourite format,” Tilak said on Hampshire Cricket’s YouTube channel. “I was waiting for this opportunity. “I am ranked third in T20Is and everyone thinks that I am a T20 specialist. But for a long time, I’ve been saying that I am a good Test batter as well. I love to play close to the body and enjoy being challenged,” he said.
