KL Rahul overcame injury concerns to deliver a stunning performance in the second unofficial Test against Australia A at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. The seasoned opener, who had retired hurt on Day 3 after scoring 74, returned to the crease on Day 4 to guide India A in their chase of 412. Rahul’s innings reached a milestone when he completed his 22nd first-class century off 136 balls with a boundary against Corey Rocchiccioli just before the lunch break.
After a quiet first innings score of 11, Rahul showed why he remains one of the best batting talents currently in the country. Coming off a strong England tour, where he scored 532 runs at 53.20 with two centuries, this knock showed his readiness to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal come the next Test assignment which is against the West Indies next month.
Sudharsan-KL Rahul keep India A in check
India A’s chase of 412 looked daunting at the start of Day 4, but Rahul anchored the innings beautifully. He added 84 runs with Narayan Jagadeesan for the first wicket before Jagadeesan fell for 36 to Todd Murphy. Enter Sai Sudharsan, and Rahul’s calm presence at the crease allowed the partnership to flourish. Together, they moved the team past 140, and by the time Rahul completed his century, India A had crossed 260 with seven wickets still in hand.
Earlier struggles in the first innings, where India A were bowled out for just 194, proved that Australia A’s bowling is lethal. Add injury worries like Prasidh Krishna’s concussion, and the challenge seemed even steeper. But Rahul has played according to his reputation. He was added in place of Abhimanyu Easwaran for the second match. He added 143-run stand with Sai Sudharsan before the southpaw got out at 100 right after the break.
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