KL Rahul's Stellar Performance Shines in Third Test Against England

In the third Test at Lord's, KL Rahul showcased his exceptional skills against England's formidable pace attack, earning accolades from cricket legends like Anil Kumble and Jonathan Trott. Despite early setbacks, Rahul's disciplined innings helped India reach a solid position at stumps. With a partnership alongside Rishabh Pant, he ensured that India ended the day positively. This article delves into the highlights of Rahul's performance and the match's unfolding drama.
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KL Rahul's Stellar Performance Shines in Third Test Against England

KL Rahul's Resilience Against England's Pace Attack


On July 12 in London, renowned spinner Anil Kumble praised opener KL Rahul for his impressive performance against the pace attack led by Jofra Archer during the third Test at Lord's. Rahul successfully tackled Archer's initial onslaught and showcased his skills by scoring his 19th Test half-century, following his remarkable 137 in Leeds earlier in the series.


Kumble expressed his admiration, stating, "It was fantastic. A typical KL Rahul innings where he had to grind it out. It was a fiery spell from Jofra Archer - especially that first spell where he clocked over 150 km/h, with steep bounce and a bit of swing early on. KL countered all of that brilliantly. He was clinical in his approach and looked in control. It was a very disciplined and mature knock, and I’m sure he’ll be satisfied with how he played," during an appearance on JioHotstar ‘Match Centre Live’.


Former England player Jonathan Trott also commended Rahul's strategic batting under challenging conditions, noting, "I don’t think you can go out there and dictate terms to the bowlers on this pitch. You have to be watchful - it’s very much a new-ball wicket. KL was excellent in nullifying that early threat and played very straight. Just like Shubman Gill did in the second Test - using a straight bat, being patient when the ball’s on the stumps, and capitalising on the bad balls. That’s going to be key tomorrow - to keep pressure on the English side."


India faced an early setback with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed for 13 by Archer in his first over. However, Rahul and Karun Nair formed a solid 61-run partnership before Nair was dismissed by Ben Stokes for 40.


Captain Shubman Gill, who has been in excellent form throughout the series, fell cheaply to Chris Woakes for 16, adding pressure on the Indian side. Nevertheless, Rishabh Pant and Rahul ensured no further wickets fell before stumps, ending the day at 145/3 in 43 overs. India trails by 242 runs after Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul helped dismiss England for 387.


Kumble also reflected on Nair’s graceful innings and unfortunate dismissal, stating, "He’s had a solid series overall, except for that one innings. In his comeback match, he’s consistently got starts - 20s, 30s - and today he got into the 40s. He survived Archer’s harsh early spell and began looking comfortable. Some of his cover drives were beautiful to watch. But it was one of those dismissals - he edged a good delivery, and Joe Root took a stunning low catch. That’s not easy, especially with the slope at Lord’s."


"I think it will be even. I know India will probably feel that they gave about 50 runs extra to England. But having said that, with the early dismissal of Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, India will be comfortable at 145 for 3. And the best part is Rishabh Pant getting the opportunity to bat at some point. Slightly earlier in the day, there was a bit of a concern about Pant - whether he’d be able to bat. But he was pretty comfortable other than that one instance where he got hit off the toe-end, and that hurt his hand. Otherwise, he looked quite at ease. I thought KL Rahul and Pant ensured that India ended the day on a positive note, even though Pant came in a bit later," he concluded.


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