5 records smashed by Rohit Sharma against Australia

Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 171 in 163 balls has helped India reach a formidable total of 309 against the mighty Aussies in the first VB series ODI. This is the 28-year old's fifth 140 plus score since January 2013, making him one of the most successful openers in Indian cricket history.This particular innings has broken several records for both India and visiting teams. Sharma’s performance has also silenced several critics, who had earlier bashed his away form.Here is a look at five records Rohit Sharma broke today:

#1 Highest unbeaten ODI score in Australia

Sharma slammed score 171 overtook AB de Villiers’ record

Rohit Sharma’s 171* against the Aussies is the highest unbeaten score by a batsman on their home turf. The previous highest score was by South Africa’s talismanic batsman AB de Villiers, who scored 162* in 66 balls against West Indies at the SCG, during the 2015 World Cup.

That particular innings is widely regarded as one of the strongest individual batting performances in ODI cricket history.

The highest recorded score on Aussie soil was registered by Chris Gayle. He scored 215 in 147 balls against Zimbabwe in the same tournament.

#2 Most sixes by an Indian against Australia

Sharma walking on Sachin Tendulkar’s record breaking path

Rohit Sharma has often been touted as a successor to Sachin Tendulkar’s throne, his record breaking innings today saw him come closer to the prospect. After overtaking Sachin’s highest ODI score of 200, he has now beaten yet another of master blaster’s records.

Sachin's 36 sixes was the highest by an Indian against Australia till date. But Sharma’s seven sixes propelled him to 37, overtaking the previous milestone. He also hit seven fours en-route to his 171.

#3 Fastest Indian to score 1000 runs against Australia

Sharma has broken yet another Sachin Tendulkar record

Yet another Sachin Tendulkar record has been toppled by the Mumbai-based batsman. Sharma’s prolific innings saw him become the quickest batsman to reach 1,000 runs against the mighty Aussies. His score of 171 helped him cross the 1,000 mark convincingly - in a matter of just 19 games.

The previous record was held by Sachin Tendulkar and Brain Lara, who reached the feat in 20 matches.

With more matches against Australia to come, Rohit might just become the fastest to reach 2,000 as well.

#4 Highest score by a visiting batsman in Australia versus Australia

Sharma hit 13 fours, seven sixes en-route to his 171*

It’s not everyday you see a 36-year record broken, but Sharma’s superlative effort today seems to be breaking records left right and centre. He also now holds the record for the highest score by a visiting batsman in Australia versus them.

The previous record was held by former West Indian captain Viv Richards, who scored 153 in 130 balls against the Kangaroos at the MCG during the 1979 World Cup. The innings helped West Indies win the trophy as he single handedly carried them to victory, during a time when a 100 plus strike rate was a rarity.

#5 Highest ODI score by an Indian in Australia

Sharma also broke a record held by Sourav Ganguly

Not just Sachin Tendulkar, Sharma is also breaking records held by former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. The Royal Bengal Tiger’s 141* in 144 balls against Pakistan was the highest ODI score by an Indian in Australia. He hit 12 fours and one six to help India defeat Pakistan in the ninth match of the Carlton and United series.

However, the 171 scored by Sharma has now overtaken the record. This particular record could stand for a long time to come.