How did Rahul’s classy ton give India A a solid start against England Lions?

Northampton, June 7 (NationPress) India A concluded a rain-affected first day of their four-day contest against England Lions on a strong note, posting 319 runs for 7 wickets after 83 overs at the County Ground, Northampton. The innings was anchored by KL Rahul’s stylish century, which provided a solid base.

Winning the toss, England Lions captain James Rew opted to bowl first under overcast skies, and the pitch showed a noticeable green tint. These initial conditions, coupled with a lively surface, presented an excellent chance for seam bowlers to make an impact, a situation that veteran pacer Chris Woakes capitalized on.

Woakes struck early, claiming two wickets within the first hour to put India A on the back foot. He first removed Yashasvi Jaiswal for 17 — a decision that visibly frustrated the left-handed batsman, as replays indicated the ball might have missed the leg stump. Next, he trapped captain Abhimanyu Easwaran lbw after a difficult innings of just 11 runs, leaving India A at 31/2 and under pressure.

However, KL Rahul and Karun Nair joined forces to stabilize the innings. With their composed footwork and calm demeanor, the experienced pair managed to absorb the early pressure effectively. Nair played particularly well off the back foot, while Rahul remained patient during the tricky morning session, allowing India A to reach lunch without further loss.

Their partnership for the third wicket extended to 86 runs, establishing a robust foundation for the day. Nair was dismissed for 40 following a sharp delivery from Woakes, which saw him also trapped lbw despite indications that the ball may have been sliding down.

Following Nair's exit, Dhruv Jurel entered the fray and exhibited composure from the start. The ball had softened by then, allowing both batsmen to find scoring easier. Rahul’s innings began to flourish as he defended tightly while punishing any loose deliveries, reaching his century in 151 balls with a blend of caution and occasional aggression.

Jurel soon followed with his own half-century, crafting a well-made 52 that underscored his growing confidence on this stage. The duo added over 100 runs for the fifth wicket, looking entirely in command until George Hill shifted the momentum briefly.

Against the flow, Hill bowled Jurel with a stunning delivery that nipped back through the gate. Shortly after, he dismissed Rahul for 116 with a brilliant delivery outside off-stump that was expertly caught at second slip. Rahul’s innings showcased an impressive mix of timing, temperament, and technique—a timely resurgence in red-ball cricket.

Despite these setbacks, Nitish Kumar Reddy provided resilience with a cautious 34 before misjudging a delivery from Tom Haines that came back in and clipped his off stump as he attempted to shoulder arms. Shardul Thakur contributed a quick 19, while Tanush Kotian and Anshul Kamboj remained unbeaten at the end of the day.

Frequent rain interruptions affected play, yet officials managed to extend the final session. By the close, India A had amassed 319 runs for the loss of 7 wickets—a commendable total given the conditions and interruptions.

India A will be satisfied with their position after the first day. KL Rahul’s century was the standout highlight, while valuable contributions from Jurel, Nair, and Reddy ensured India A maintained their footing.

Brief scores:

India 'A' 319/7 in 83 overs (KL Rahul 116, Dhruv Jurel 52; Chris Woakes 3-50, George Hill 2-56) against England Lions