India’s opening batter KL Rahul made his mark once again at Lord’s, scoring a sublime century in the first innings of the third Test against England. His composed knock provided India with the ideal platform to match England’s total, keeping the contest finely balanced. But after the day’s play, Rahul gave his signed jersey to the Lord’s museum.
This century marks Rahul’s second on the hallowed turf of Lord’s, etching his name onto the prestigious honours board once again. He joins an exclusive list of Indian batters with multiple tons at the venue, highlighting his ability to step up on the biggest stages.
England vs India 3rd Test Day 3: Highlights
Speaking in a video posted on the BCCI’s official social media, Rahul played down the significance of personal milestones, choosing instead to focus on his responsibility to the team.
“I don’t build it up in my head that much. I try and focus on my job, and it was to get the team off to a good start and see how I can put runs on the board,” said Rahul.
He added, “Very good knock, important in the context of the game. Happy with the performance. Everything about Lord’s makes it that much more special. The history and legacy, every time you walk into Lord’s, you’re reminded of it.”
Rahul’s assured start at the top allowed India to settle into their innings after early pressure. His knock was backed up by vital contributions from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, who both scored fifties to help India equal England’s first-innings total before being bowled out.
Despite the joy of his ton, Rahul will be slightly disappointed by the timing of his dismissal — he fell in the over immediately after reaching three figures. He was drawn into a drive by spinner Shoaib Bashir, edging the ball to the slip cordon to end his knock.
Now, with the game evenly poised, India will turn their attention to England’s second innings. The bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will look to make inroads quickly and give the batters a chaseable target.
Rahul, with confidence behind him, will be key once again. If India are to take the series lead, they’ll need their senior opener to anchor another innings at the top of the order.
– Ends
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