Rahul's innings so far of 127 runs is one of pure class and Sharma could not help but be in awe of the display.
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Indian opener Rohit Sharma was full of praise for his fellow teammate KL Rahul after stumps on day 1 of the second of the five-match Test series between England and India. The match is being played at the home of cricket, Lords. Sharma opened the innings alongside Rahul and the duo put up an immense opening stand of 126 runs on what seems like a very good batting surface. Rahul’s innings so far of 127 runs is one of pure class and Sharma could not help but be in awe of the display. The Indian vice-captain said that it was the best he has seen Rahul play ever. India were at a very strong score of 276-3 at the end of play on the first day.
Rahul’s ton was historic as he became only the third Indian opener, and the 10th Indian overall to achieve so at Lords. Initially, he played the role of a supporting batter as the experienced Sharma took charge. It looked like he would reach his century but fell short by 17 runs as he was bowled by James Anderson. From that point on, Rahul took the charge and never looked back. He really seemed to have nurtured his batting to suit Test cricket as he displayed strong defence and brilliantly left balls that were swinging outside his off-stump.
“This is probably the best that I have seen KL Rahul bat,” Sharma said after the end of play. “I thought he was very much in control from Ball 1. Till we finished the day today, he looked very much in control. At no point, it looked like he was confused or thinking too much, he was very clear about his plans. When you are clear with your plans, when you trust your plans, it definitely works. I thought today was his day and I thought he really made it count,” he added.
It was a very good day at the office for Sharma as well as he managed to post his best score in Test cricket in overseas conditions. He could have made it even more historic had he scored a ton, but it was still a performance that the opener can be very proud of.
“I wouldn’t say the best (knock of mine) because as long as you’re playing, there will be a lot of opportunities. But certainly, a challenging one, the most challenging that I have played. I felt very good, was very happy with the way I started off. Unfortunate dismissal but probably I couldn’t have done anything to that,” Sharma said.
At the end of play on day 1, India stands at a very good score of 276-3. Rahul is the highest scorer so far and is still unbeaten on 127 runs. He is currently being partnered by Ajinkya Rahane who has scored one run from 22 deliveries. Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara were the batters who were dismissed on the day. Sharma scored a brilliant knock of 83 while Kohli made 42. It was another disappointing day for Pujara as he could only manage to score 9 runs.
For England, James Anderson took the wickets of Sharma and Pujara while Ollie Robinson dismissed Kohli.
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