KL Rahul's Resilient Performance Shines on Day 2 of Third Test Against England

On Day 2 of the third Test against England, KL Rahul's composed innings drew admiration from former captain Anil Kumble. Facing a challenging English pace attack, Rahul's resilience shone through as he scored an unbeaten 53 runs. His performance was crucial in stabilizing the Indian innings after early setbacks. As the match progresses into a pivotal third day, Rahul aims to convert his solid start into a match-defining innings, with India currently at 145/3. Read on to discover more about this thrilling encounter.
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KL Rahul's Resilient Performance Shines on Day 2 of Third Test Against England

KL Rahul's Composed Innings

Anil Kumble, the former captain of India, praised KL Rahul for his disciplined innings during the challenging conditions on Day 2 of the third Test at Lord's against England. Rahul displayed exceptional resilience against a fierce English bowling attack, particularly during a tough spell from Jofra Archer.


"It was fantastic. A classic KL Rahul innings where he had to grind it out," Kumble remarked, reflecting on Rahul's performance.


"Jofra Archer delivered a fiery spell, especially in his first over where he exceeded 150 km/h, with steep bounce and some swing early on. KL handled all of that brilliantly," he added.


At the end of the day, Rahul remained not out on 53 runs from 113 balls, hitting five elegant boundaries. His innings was pivotal in stabilizing the Indian batting after early setbacks, laying the groundwork for a potentially significant score on Day 3.


"He was clinical in his approach and appeared in control," Kumble noted.


"It was a disciplined and mature innings, and I’m sure he’ll be pleased with his performance," he added.


Given the challenging conditions and a formidable bowling attack, Rahul's innings was notable for its patience and application. As the match moves into a crucial third day, the Indian opener aims to convert his solid start into a match-defining innings.


At the close of play, India stood at 145/3, with Pant (19*) and Rahul (53*) remaining unbeaten, trailing by 242 runs.


Resuming the final session at 44/1, Nair (18) and Rahul (13) played positively, with Nair hitting a couple of boundaries. They reached a 50-run partnership in 95 balls. However, Nair, returning to the Test side after eight years, couldn't capitalize on his start, falling to skipper Ben Stokes, caught by Joe Root in slips.


Nair scored 40 runs off 62 balls, including four boundaries, leaving India at 74/2 after a 61-run partnership was broken.


Skipper Shubman Gill joined KL at the crease, and together they took India past the 100-run mark in 29.1 overs with minimal risks. However, their 33-run partnership ended when Chris Woakes caught Gill off a faint edge, leaving him out for 16 runs and India at 107/3.


To the relief of Indian players and fans, Rishabh Pant came to the crease and quickly punished Shoaib Bashir with three boundaries, undeterred by his finger injury.


KL continued his impressive form in the series, reaching his second fifty of the series in 97 balls, with five fours.


KL and Rishabh ensured that the team ended the day without losing any further wickets.


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