KL Rahul Shines with Century Against England in First Test

KL Rahul's Stellar Performance in SENA Conditions

Indian opener KL Rahul has been in exceptional form, continuing his impressive streak in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA) by scoring another remarkable century against England during the first Test at Leeds on Monday.

After contributing 42 runs in the first innings, KL capitalized on his opportunities, finishing with an unbeaten 120 runs off 227 balls, including 15 boundaries, by the end of the second session. His strike rate stood at 52.86.

This marks KL's sixth century in SENA countries, comprising three in England, one in Australia, and two in South Africa.

KL Rahul Sets New Records

With this performance, KL surpassed the legendary Rahul Dravid, achieving his third century as an opener in England, the highest by any Indian opener in the country.

This also marks his fourth century against England as an opener, tying him with Sunil Gavaskar and Rohit Sharma, who each have four.

KL has now scored five centuries as an opener in SENA conditions, just four shy of breaking Gavaskar's record of nine. He is now tied with Mohammed Azharuddin and Rishabh Pant, each having six centuries in SENA conditions. The record for most centuries in these conditions is held by Sachin Tendulkar with 17, followed by Virat Kohli with 12 and Dravid with 10.

In England, KL boasts a solid record, amassing 776 runs in 10 matches and 20 innings, averaging 40.84, with three centuries and one fifty. His highest score is 149.

India's Strong Position in the Match

As the match progressed, India reached 298/4 at Tea, with KL Rahul on 120* and Karun Nair on 4*. Rishabh Pant also made a significant contribution, scoring 118 runs in the second innings, marking his second century of the match, and forming a vital 195-run partnership with KL Rahul.

India began the second session at 153/3, with Pant (31*) and KL (72*) still at the crease. The pair executed a brilliant counter-attack against the English bowlers, both reaching their centuries, with Pant eventually dismissed for 118 off 140 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes.

Despite an early wicket from Carse, who dismissed Shubman for just eight, India established a solid foundation for the remainder of the match, although they did give England some opportunities.

The final session of day three was interrupted by rain, with Rahul joined by skipper Shubman Gill, who was unbeaten on 6*. India concluded the day at 90/2.