Indian cricketer KL Rahul has etched his name in history, scoring his tenth Test century and becoming the first Indian batter in 29 years to achieve a second mention on the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board.
A Historic Century for KL Rahul
KL Rahul reached his tenth Test century on Day 3 of the third Test against England at Lord’s. He batted patiently, taking 176 balls to bring up the milestone.
This century marks his second of the current series, solidifying his position as a key player. Unfortunately, his stay at the crease was cut short immediately after, as he was dismissed for exactly 100 runs off 177 balls by Shoaib Bashir.
Joining Lord’s Elite Club
Rahul’s latest century is particularly significant as it secures his second appearance on the Lord’s Honours Board for batters. This rare feat makes him only the second Indian ever to achieve this, joining the legendary Dilip Vengsarkar.
Vengsarkar had three centuries at Lord’s, scored in 1979, 1982, and 1986. Rahul’s previous Lord’s century was a match-winning 129 in August 2021, a game India famously won by 151 runs after a dramatic final day.
Interestingly, Rahul also became the first Asian opener to hit two Test centuries at Lord’s, putting him in an elite group of visiting openers who have achieved this milestone at the iconic venue.
Anchoring the Indian Innings
Throughout his innings, Rahul played a crucial anchoring role for India. He remained a constant at one end even as wickets fell around him early on Day 3.
Jofra Archer, in his comeback Test, dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal early. Karun Nair then joined Rahul, forming a steady partnership that guided India through to the end of the session.
Key Partnerships and Day’s Play
Rahul and Nair built a valuable 61-run stand before Nair was caught by Joe Root off Ben Stokes for 40. India’s captain Shubman Gill soon followed, scoring just 16 runs before falling to Chris Woakes.
Rahul then partnered with Rishabh Pant, and the duo continued to bat serenely into the morning session of Day 3. England’s bowlers appeared somewhat flat and struggled to find breakthroughs.
The session ended dramatically when Pant was unfortunately run out for 74, just as Rahul was on the verge of his century. Despite the run-out, India reached 248/4 at Lunch, largely thanks to Rahul’s efforts.
- KL Rahul scored his 10th Test century, reaching 100 off 176 balls.
- He is the second Indian batter, and first in 29 years, to get a second mention on the Lord’s Honours Board.
- Rahul’s previous Lord’s century was 129 in 2021.
- He became the first Asian opener to score two Test centuries at Lord’s.
- Rahul played a crucial anchor role for India, even as wickets fell around him.
Rahul’s exceptional performance continues to be a highlight of India’s tour, showcasing his resilience and class at the pinnacle of Test cricket.
