• KL Rahul anchored India A’s innings with a sublime century showcasing technical brilliance and composure under pressure.

  • India A finished Day 1 in a strong position at 319 for 7 despite persistent rain and disciplined bowling from the England Lions.

Netizens react as KL Rahul ends Day 1 with a spectacular century during ENG-Lions vs IND-A 2nd Unofficial Test
Fans erupt as KL Rahul ends Day 1 with a spectacular century in ENG-Lions vs IND-A 2nd Unofficial Test (Image source: X)

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The County Ground in Northampton witnessed a riveting start to the 2nd Unofficial Test between England Lions and India A, as fans were treated to a masterclass from KL Rahul. With the visitors finishing Day 1 at 319 for 7, the contest has set the stage for an enthralling battle, with Rahul’s century standing out as the highlight of a rain-affected day.

KL Rahul’s gracious century starts his England tour on a high

After England Lions’ captain James Rew opted to field first, India A’s top order was quickly put under pressure. The early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran left India A wobbling at 41 for 2, and the responsibility fell squarely on Rahul’s shoulders. The experienced opener responded with a blend of discipline and elegance, crafting a magnificent 116 off 168 balls—a knock that lasted 273 minutes and featured 15 boundaries and a six.

Rahul’s innings was a lesson in Test match batting. He played late, kept his bat close to his body, and was selective with his strokes, particularly against the probing spells from Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue. Woakes, who was incisive with the new ball, found movement both in the air and off the seam, but Rahul countered with patience and technical precision. The right-hander’s cover drives and pulls were a treat for the crowd, and his ability to rotate the strike ensured the scoreboard kept ticking even as wickets fell at the other end.

Rahul reached his century in style, upping the tempo after tea with authoritative punches and a well-timed six off offspinner Farhan Ahmed. His partnership with Dhruv Jurel (52) was crucial, as the pair added stability after the early setbacks. Rahul’s eventual dismissal—caught at second slip off George Hill—was his only real lapse in concentration, capping off a memorable return to red-ball cricket in English conditions.

India A hold firm despite England Lions’ fightback

By stumps, India A had posted a competitive 319 for 7 in 83 overs, with Tanush Kotian (5*) and Anshul Kamboj (1*) at the crease. While Rahul and Jurel were the standout performers, Karun Nair (40) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (34) chipped in with valuable contributions. However, the England Lions’ bowlers, led by Woakes (3 for 50) and Hill (2 for 56), ensured that the visitors never ran away with the game.

The day was punctuated by rain interruptions and testing spells from the English seamers, particularly in the morning session when the pitch offered good carry and movement. Despite these challenges, India A’s middle order showed resilience, and the team will look to add crucial runs with the lower order on Day 2.

Also WATCH: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s frustrated glare after a shocking umpire’s LBW call in ENG-Lions vs IND-A 2nd Unofficial Test

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.