KL Rahul made a strong case for himself with a brilliant century in his first appearance on the England tour. Playing for India A in the second unofficial Test against England Lions, Rahul scored a classy hundred to put his name forward for the opening spot in the upcoming five-match Test series.
Rahul walked in to bat after India lost both openers early, Yashasvi Jaiswal (17) and Abhimanyu Easwaran (11). The team was under pressure, but Rahul looked calm and confident. He built a steady 86-run partnership with Karun Nair, who scored 40 off 71 balls before getting out.
Batting on after Tea, Rahul showed great control and then shifted gears to bring up a 151-ball century, which included 13 fours and a six. His knock not only rescued India A from early trouble but also almost sealed his place as opener for the first Test.
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This century comes at an important time for Rahul, who has been in and out of the Test team and has played both as an opener and in the middle-order in recent years.
With Rohit Sharma retired from Tests, a vacancy has opened up at the top, and Rahul’s latest knock might have answered that question for coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill.
In India’s last red-ball assignment in Australia, Rahul had opened in a few matches but was shuffled around in the batting order. He also had to fill in the middle-order gap left by Rishabh Pant, who has been away from Test cricket due to a car accident.
This hundred would give Rahul the confidence boost he needs going into a high-pressure series. At 33, he brings experience and flexibility—something the new-look Indian side will rely on.
Chris Woakes Impresses With the Ball
Earlier in the day, England pacer Chris Woakes gave a timely reminder of his skills. Returning from injury, Woakes struck early with the new ball.
He removed Jaiswal LBW with a sharp delivery and bowled Easwaran with another beautiful in-seamer. Later, he came back to trap Karun Nair in front of the stumps, ending his promising innings.
Woakes’ rhythm and control were notable, and his three-wicket spell was a clear warning to India ahead of the main series.
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