India Finishes Strong on Day 2 of Hyderabad Test, Builds a Solid 175-Run Lead Against England.
Quality batsmen showcase their skill by adapting to diverse conditions. They tweak their backlift, adjust stance, utilize the crease, and make strategic decisions on when to play shots or leave a delivery. The contrast between playing at Centurion and the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad can be stark. While the South African track provides good bounce and carry, the Uppal stadium’s low and slow track presents a unique challenge.
In his recent three Tests, KL Rahul has displayed remarkable adaptability on different surfaces. Just a month ago at SuperSport Park against South Africa, he crafted a superb innings, scoring 101, which was lauded as one of the best by an Indian overseas player. Now, on Friday, he replicated that brilliance on his home turf, reaffirming why the Indian team management views him as indispensable. When in form, Rahul proves to be world-class, prompting the team to go out of their way to include him in the playing XI.
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“The century in South Africa boosted my confidence. The goal today was to maintain a positive mindset when I stepped out to bat. The conditions here were quite different from South Africa—there was some turn, and the pitch slowed down as the ball aged. It presented a challenge, and I had to be patient, waiting for the right moments to play my shots,” Rahul remarked during his post-match interview.
Guided by the stylish batter’s exceptional 86 (123 balls) and the solid unbeaten 81 from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, India amassed 302 runs on the day, concluding at 421/7 at stumps. With an already substantial lead of 175 runs and Jadeja partnering with Axar Patel in a firm 63-run alliance, England faces a daunting challenge ahead.
Rising to the Occasion at No. 4
As India entered the game, the pivotal question lingered about filling the void left by Virat Kohli at the crucial No. 4 spot. How splendidly did Rahul rise to the occasion!
Despite having spent most of his cricketing career as an opening batter, Rahul seems like a natural fit in the middle order. Following his century in South Africa at No. 5, he now batted at No. 4. Expressing his enjoyment of batting in the middle order, Rahul explained, ‘I did enjoy batting in the top order for a long time, but here you get some time to put your feet up, observe how the ball is behaving, understand the bowlers’ strategies, and it provides time to plan your innings.
As the No.4 batsman entered the crease, the goal was to sustain the momentum, given that the top order had already set the stage. Rahul executed this task brilliantly, capitalizing on an early reprieve from keeper Ben Foakes off Joe Root (signaled as a bye by the umpire). From that point onwards, he exhibited flawless performance, showcasing decisive footwork to make effective use of the depth of the crease. His approach involved playing late and straight with precision.
Rahul initially settled in by skillfully opening up gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking. When he shifted gears, the precisely timed strokes were a delight to watch. Thirty minutes into the second session, he propelled India into the lead with two sixes off leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed – the first off an overpitched delivery and the second off a long hop – taking the total to 250/4 while advancing to 79.
Early Wicket Fall
In the morning, England had an ideal beginning as part-time off-spinner Root dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, caught and bowled for 80 in the very first over. Tom Hartley, showing improved control from Day 1, claimed his maiden Test wicket when Shubman Gill chipped one straight to Ben Duckett at midwicket, departing for 23 and leaving India at 159/3.
However, in a collaborative effort with Shreyas Iyer, Rahul solidified the innings with a 64-run partnership. An admirable aspect of his play was the supportive role he played in the partnership, guiding Iyer through a challenging spell from Mark Wood.
Captain Ben Stokes introduced the pacer Mark Wood primarily to unsettle Shreyas Iyer with bouncers. However, Wood only managed to bowl nine balls at Iyer during his four-over spell.
After leg-spinner Rehan had Iyer caught at deep midwicket right after lunch, Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja formed a formidable 65-run partnership, slamming the door on England and pushing India into the lead.
A century was within reach for the Bengaluru batter, but he unfortunately connected a long hop directly to the deep midwicket fielder, becoming the fifth Indian batter in the innings to be dismissed while attempting a big shot. Despite his undeniable quality, Rahul has only managed one century at home out of his eight overall.
For bowlers, it can be quite disheartening when the lower-order starts scoring. Even after Rahul’s dismissal, Jadeja resisted England’s efforts to wrap things up quickly. Teaming up with KS Bharat (41 runs), Jadeja built a solid 68-run partnership. The excitement continued as Axar Patel, another capable batter, joined in on the action.
To top off a perfect day, Axar concluded the proceedings with two fours and a six from the last three deliveries bowled by Hartley.