'Being a world no.3 batsman in T20Is, everybody thinks...': Tilak Varma says he is a good Test player after unbeaten 98 on County debut for Hampshire

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England pacer on hat-trick when Varma arrived at crease

Cook had dismissed Alistair Orr and Nick Gubbins out off consecutive deliveries in the ninth over. Cook had recently made his Test debut against Zimbabwe where he claimed one wicket. He was part of England's squad for first Test as well but did not get a chance to be a part of playing XI. He was released to play in the County match. 

Varma shares crucial partnerships 

After two early wickets, Varma steadied the ship with opener Fletcha Middleton. In the 30th over, off-spinner Simon Harmer dismissed Middleton. The opener scored 61 runs from 82 deliveries. Middleton and Varma shared a 52-run partnership. Varma continued to bat patiently. Captain Ben Brown walked out to bat and scored 42 runs from 68 balls before he was dismissed by Matthew Critchley. 

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Varma, Dawson in control of innings

The 22-year-old dig in his heels. He took 126 deliveries to reach his fifty. However, he was not afraid to take the aerial route and smashed three sixes as well. Liam Dawson and Varma shared an unbeaten 129-run partnership for the fifth wicket. At the end of day's play, Varma was batting on 98 from 234 deliveries. He hit 11 fours as well. On the other end, Dawson scored 79 runs from 132 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Hampshire were 293/4, three runs shy of Essex's first innings score.

Not just a T20 batter

After the day's play, Varma talked about the need to be in the present to get to three figures. He opened up on his ambitions to play Test cricket. Also, he wants to get rid of the image that he is only a good T20 batter. He hopes to get a big one for Hampshire on debut. 

"When you are in 90s at the end of day's play, it goes in your mind. You are like 2 more runs, 5 more runs. I will be living in present. Even after 100, there is a long way to go. That's how I look at it. From here, if we keep going and get another 100-150 runs, it is good for us and the team," Varma told Hampshire County.

 

 

"I always say that Test cricket is my favourite game. I was waiting for this opportunity. Being a world no.3 batsman in T20Is, everybody thinks I am a good T20 batter. But I know, and I have been saying this for a long time, I am a good Test player. I love playing Test cricket, playing close to the body, being challenged, especially in English conditions. It was cold weather today in the morning so the ball was moving a bit and turning.