India’s Tilak Varma impressed in his County Championship debut for Hampshire during a Division One match against Essex in Chelmsford on Monday.
He played a composed, unbeaten knock of 98 off 234 deliveries, including 11 fours and three sixes at the end of day’s play. The 22-year-old had also bowled two overs of spin (2-0-6-0).
Another Indian in the fray, Ishan Kishan, too shone on his County Championship debut for Nottinghamshire after smashing a 98-ball 87 against Yorkshire.
Only Ben Slater (96) scored more than the wicketkeeper-batter, who hit 12 fours and a six during his stint. The 26-year-old signed for Nottinghamshire on a short-term deal to play two matches, replacing South Africa’s Kyle Verreynne.
Kishan then took his place behind the wickets, following which he took a catch to remove opener Adam Lyth off Mohammad Abbas’ bowling.
Meanwhile, Jofra Archer picked up a wicket on his red-ball return while playing for Sussex against Durham. The 30-year-old pacer bowled 14 overs, recording six maidens and giving away 28 runs.
He also contributed valuable runs with the bat, scoring three fours and a six en route to his 34-ball 31.
Archer, who has not been a part of First-Class cricket in four years due to injuries, could be in contention for a return to England’s Test side, which is currently facing India in a five-match Test series.