 "KL Rahul exhibited some fantastic patient and matured batting as India made 145/3 by Stumps on Day 2 of Lord's Test. Image: Reuters")
India batter KL Rahul was praised by Anil Kumble and Jonathan Trott for his “clinical” approach as he scored a hard-fought fifty on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test against England. Rahul finished Day 2 of the third Test on an unbeaten 53 off 113 balls and helped India reach 145/3.
India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal (13), Karun Nair (40) and Shubman Gill (16) on Day 2, but Rahul stood tall with his mature knock, where he thwarted any possible danger with a straight bat defensive technique. He would be extremely crucial for India on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test as they are still 242 runs behind England.
Kumble, Trott praise Rahul’s clinical approach
Former India captain Kumble praised Rahul for his maturity and discipline as India face a tricky Test on Day 3 after losing three crucial wickets. “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 kmph, with steep bounce and a bit of swing early on,” Kumble said on JioHotstar.
“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.”
Former England cricketer and current Afghanistan team head coach Trott pointed out that playing with a straight bat helped Rahul nullify the “early threat.”
“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,” he said.
“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,” Trott added.