KL Rahul fell 14 runs short of his century as India batters showed the visitors England how to bat on the second day of the of the first Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday.
After the end of play, KL Rahul said, “The 100 in SA has given me some confidence, also having played 6-7 months of cricket since my injury.”
Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja hit half-centuries to put India in command with a lead of 175 at stumps on the second day in Hyderabad.
Jadeja remained unbeaten on 81 and took charge after Rahul’s 86 to steer the hosts to 421-7. He and fellow left-hander Axar Patel, on 35, were batting in a partnership of 63 at close of play.
Rahul opened up on his innings, sayinng: “The aim was to stay positive when I went out to bat. Very different to that of South Africa (on the pitch) – a bit of turn, it became slower and slower as the ball went old. Was a challenge, I had to wait for my opportunity to play shots.”
When asked about his changing number on the line-up, KL Rahul said: “Enjoying batting in the middle-order. I did enjoy batting in the top-order for a long time, but here you get some time to put your feet up, watch as to how the ball is doing, what the bowlers are doing and it gives time to plan your innings.”
Rahul will be disappointed as he was primed to score a hundred in his 50th Test. Nonetheless, his innings was marked by imperious timing and meticulous shot selection, which made it oh-so-pleasing to watch.
The effortless partnership ended when Rahul pulled a half-tracker by Hartely to pick Ahmed, the lone fielder in the deep at mid-wicket.
Rahul’s fifth-wicket stand of 65 with Jadeja stood out in a dominant day for India, who resumed on 119-1.
“It’s only the second day, we just wanted to bat the full day and get as many runs as possible (on the team plan). The chat was to bat as long as possible and everyone to bat and score as many runs as we could,” KL Rahul said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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