KL Rahul continues stunning overseas run with masterful century against England in Leeds
New Delhi: KL Rahul continued his remarkable run in overseas Tests after slamming his eighth century outside India in the ongoing Test between India and England at Headingley, Leeds. Rahul played a masterful knock on Day 4 to cement his spot as India’s long-term opener in red-ball cricket and strengthened his team’s position in the opening Test of the five-match series.
Continuing on his overnight score of 47, Rahul completed his ninth Test century in the 62nd over of India’s second innings. Despite losing skipper and first innings’ centurion Shubman Gill early on Day 4, Rahul batted with extreme ease after soaking up all the pressure in helpful conditions for bowlers.
It was a vintage Test knock – patient and watchful – as Rahul played according to the situation and treated the ball on its merit. The right-hander, though, put away bad balls to keep the scoreboard moving. He frustrated the bowlers with his solid defence and watchful leaves.
Thanks to the sensational century, Rahul also continued his remarkable overseas run in Tests with his eighth century outside India. His third century in England also helped him break the record of most centuries by an Indian opener in Tests in England, surpassing legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.
Out of his nine Test tons, eight have come outside India. He has scored three in England, two in South Africa and one each in Australia, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
Following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Rahul entered the series as India’s most experienced player in Test cricket. He showed great maturity during his flawless knock by making sure India got out of the choppy waters on Day 4 with a determined innings. With Gill in the hut early in the day, Rahul realised the importance of keeping wickets in hand and stitched a potentially match-saving partnership with Rishabh Pant.
While Pant was batting in his usual unusual style, Rahul dug deep to play a vintage Test match knock. Rahul, who is now a link between the retired veterans and youngsters in the current setup, batted like a main man, excelling in the responsibility.
With the sublime knock, Karnataka batter also made amends for his wasteful dismissal in the first innings when he threw his wicket away for 42 after getting well set at the crease.