India batsman KL Rahul who got the opportunity to open the innings in the first Test against England at Trent Bridge after injuries to Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal, made the most of this chance as he played a fine knock of 84 runs.
According to the former India batsman VVS Laxman, who was really impressed with Rahul, talked about how this innings could be the turning point in the right-hander’s career.
“This can be a breakthrough innings for KL Rahul and an innings of great importance keeping in mind his (Test) career. He has been out of favour in Test match cricket while he has been consistently doing well in white-ball cricket,” Laxman told ESPNCricinfo.
“He showed the kind of discipline needed and that hunger was also there. His body language showed that he has the desire to prove himself back at the highest level in the Test match format. It is not about proving to the critics but proving to himself that he belongs here and he has earned his spot as a top-order batsman,” he added.
After staying on the crease for over 200 balls, Rahul was inching away to another Test century but ended up edging an absolute jaffa from England pacer James Anderson. The former India cricketer however felt that Rahul deserved a hundred for the tremendous application he displayed during the innings.
“He deserved a hundred for the application and technique he displayed. At the same time, when the opportunity arrived, the kind of drives he played through mid-off and cover region,” the 46-year-old said.
As far as the first Test match is concerned, the Indian lower order managed to get a lead of 95 runs in the first innings, but the English openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley on the other hand made sure that the hosts have all their 10 wickets intact as they ended Day 3 with 25/0.
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
