Cricket legend Anil Kumble has praised KL Rahul’s “disciplined and mature” half-century on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test, highlighting his gritty performance against a challenging English bowling attack.
Kumble Commends Rahul’s Maturity
Former India spinner Anil Kumble was highly impressed with KL Rahul’s innings, calling it a “fantastic” and “typical KL Rahul innings where he had to grind it out.” Rahul’s fifty came on a pitch where batting proved to be exceptionally difficult.
Kumble specifically pointed out the fiery spell from Jofra Archer, who bowled over 150 kmph with steep bounce and early swing. “KL countered all of that brilliantly,” Kumble stated, adding that Rahul was “clinical in his approach and looked in control.”
A Gritty Knock Under Pressure
Rahul, who had already scored a century in the first Test, displayed immense resilience. His fifty was crucial for India, especially given the challenging conditions and the quality of fast bowling he faced.
Kumble concluded his praise by calling it “a very disciplined and mature knock,” expressing confidence that Rahul would be satisfied with his performance.
Expert Analysis on Batting Strategy
Former England player Jonathan Trott also weighed in, agreeing that the Lord’s pitch didn’t allow batsmen to dictate terms. “You have to be watchful, it’s very much a new-ball wicket,” Trott explained.
Trott commended Rahul for “excellent in nullifying that early threat and played very straight.” He drew a parallel to Shubman Gill’s approach in the second Test, emphasizing patience and capitalizing on loose deliveries with a straight bat.
India’s Innings So Far
India faced a tough day at the crease, losing key wickets as they chased England’s first innings total. Yashasvi Jaiswal (13), Karun Nair (40), and skipper Shubman Gill (16) all fell.
At the close of Day 2, India stood at 145/3, still trailing the hosts by a significant 242 runs in their first innings. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant (19 batting) remained at the crease, tasked with building a substantial partnership on Day 3.
England’s Strong First Innings
England had earlier posted a formidable total of 387, thanks to a sublime century from Joe Root and crucial contributions from their lower order. Root anchored the innings with a composed 104 runs, marking his 37th Test century.
Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance, claiming his second successive five-wicket haul (5/74) and 15th overall, England’s tail wagged strongly. No. 9 Brydon Carse (56) and keeper-batter Jamie Smith (51) staged a vital fightback, with the last three partnerships adding 84 valuable runs.
- Anil Kumble praised KL Rahul’s “disciplined and mature” half-century.
- Rahul faced a challenging Jofra Archer spell on a difficult Lord’s pitch.
- India finished Day 2 at 145/3, trailing England by 242 runs.
- England posted 387, anchored by Joe Root’s century and lower-order resilience.
- Jasprit Bumrah was the standout bowler for India with a five-wicket haul.
With both teams showing resilience and moments of brilliance, the Lord’s Test is set for an exciting conclusion as the battle continues.
