Cricket

KL Rahul impresses with a century against County Select XI in the warm-up game

 

With Rishabh Pant out of the squad after testing positive for COVID-19, KL Rahul found himself back in the starting XI. Rahul made the most of this rare opportunity and showed his class once again in with a sublime hundred on the opening day of the warm-up game against County Championship XI.

The severely depleted Indian side – missing its skipper Virat Kohli (back niggle) and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (hamstring injury) – suffered hiccups early on. However, they bounced back strongly to end the day at 306 for 9.

India’s top-order failed to inspire confidence with stand-in captain Rohit Sharma falling to a short ball after a careful start. He was soon joined by his opening partner Mayank Agarwal who was also dismissed by Lyndon Johnson.

Cheteshwar Pujara, who is known for his decisive footwork, failed to judge Jack Carson’s slightly flighted delivery just outside off-stump, and came down the track only to be stumped by 17-year-old wicket-keeper James Rew.

With India reeling under pressure at 67 for 3, KL Rahul arrived at the crease and swung the balance of the game. He first stitched a 40-run partnership with Hanuma Vihari. However, Vihari’s impatience after lunch cost him dearly as he failed to clear the ropes off a Liam Patterson-White delivery and was promptly dismissed.

Not to be deterred by it, Rahul continued to take on the bowlers and dispatched them to all parts of the ground. He looked to be in his element and was joined by Ravindra Jadeja. Together, the pair added 127 runs for the fifth wicket to pull India back into the contest.

It took Rahul only 75 deliveries to get to his half-century and another 75 balls to register the ton. Rahul entered the 90s by stepping out of his crease and lofting off-spinner Carson towards the long-off boundary. Another backfoot punch off Patterson-White got him his century. All in all, his innings included 11 boundaries and a six.

In the following over after getting to his century, KL Rahul retired out, and Shardul Thakur took on the onus. He gave a good account of himself by scoring a 28-ball 20 while Umesh Yadav scored a 14-ball 12, which included a six and a four. Ravindra Jadeja fell 25 runs short of a century and was dismissed in the final hour of the day.

Avesh Khan ended up suffering a thumb injury while fielding. Washington Sundar was also included in the County Select XI but did not get to bowl a single over in the match.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

LeBron James opens up on new All-Star Game format, says something had to change

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has opened up on new All-Star Game format. James,… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sunil Chhetri reveals how leadership onus helped him in his career

India’s football icon Sunil Chhetri has had a glorious career as he has ticked the… Read More

December 20, 2024

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal ruled out for rest of the season due to knee injury

East Bengal FC midfielder Madih Talal has been ruled out of the rest of the… Read More

December 20, 2024

Christopher Clarey sheds lights on Novak Djokovic-Andy Murray alliance, says Serb has always tapped into smart, high-level tennis players

Renowned Tennis journalist Christopher Clarey has shed light on Novak Djokovic appointing Andy Murray as… Read More

December 20, 2024

Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim has no regrets after dropping Marcus Rashford

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has admitted he has no regrets after dropping Marcus… Read More

December 20, 2024

Sanju Samson reveals how Gautam Gambhir gave him clarity and confidence

India’s wicket-keeper bat Sanju Samson has revealed head coach Gautam Gambhir has played an instrumental… Read More

December 20, 2024