Cricholic
KL Rahul century was the defining moment of Day 3 at Lord’s as India matched England’s first-innings total of 387 in a gripping battle. Supported by Rishabh Pant (74) and Ravindra Jadeja (72), Rahul’s masterful knock ensured India didn’t trail despite early pressure. While England gained a narrow 2-run lead by stumps, India’s fightback, led by Rahul, turned the tide.
KL Rahul Century Anchors India’s Strong Start
Resuming at 229/3, India faced Archer’s blistering pace under overcast skies. The pitch offered little, but KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant remained composed. They survived a long 31-ball dry spell without scoring but didn’t panic.
Soon, the runs started to flow. KL Rahul century began to take shape when he cracked three boundaries in an over off Brydon Carse. India crossed 200, and Rahul looked settled.
Pant’s Flair, Rahul’s Focus Build the Stand
While Rahul anchored one end, Pant exploded at the other. He launched a hook off Stokes to bring up his fifty, overtaking Viv Richards’ six-hitting record against England. Later, he smashed debutant Shoaib Bashir straight back for six.
Despite the aggressive tone from Pant, it was the control and consistency in the KL Rahul century that laid India’s foundation. The right-hander remained unshaken and calmly approached three figures.
KL Rahul Century Followed by a Twist Before Lunch
The moment came — KL Rahul century at Lord’s for the second time. Just like in 2021, Rahul’s innings was a mix of technique and temperament. However, the joy didn’t last long.
Right before Lunch, a mix-up resulted in Pant’s run out. Rahul hesitated on a single, and Stokes punished him with a direct hit. After the break, Bashir got Rahul to drive at a floated delivery, and Harry Brook completed the catch at slip.
Jadeja, Reddy Take Over After KL Rahul Century
Even though KL Rahul century had ended, it set the stage for India’s lower order to grind. Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Nitish Reddy stitched a 72-run stand. Reddy survived three run-out chances, while Jadeja batted fluently, reaching his third fifty of the series with a six off Root.
India looked confident. Archer returned and hit 150 kmph, but the pair held firm. Despite pressure, they continued to chip away at England’s total.
KL Rahul Century Inspires Tail to Push to 387
Eventually, Reddy fell to Stokes and Jadeja was caught down leg by Woakes. Washington Sundar joined the action and supported Jadeja with a handy 23. The efforts from the middle and lower order reflected the momentum generated by KL Rahul century earlier in the innings.
Akash Deep smashed a six and survived two LBWs via DRS, but couldn’t hold on. Woakes and Archer removed the tail to bowl India out for 387 — level with England.
Late Drama After KL Rahul Century Heroics
Only one over was bowled after the changeover. England’s openers came in and faced a fired-up Bumrah under fading light. Amid boos and time-wasting allegations, Zak Crawley took two runs and England ended with a 2-run lead — but it was clear the day belonged to the KL Rahul century.
Score Summary
England 387 & 2/0 (Zak Crawley 2*)
India 387 (KL Rahul 100, Rishabh Pant 74, Ravindra Jadeja 72; Woakes 3-84, Archer 2-52, Stokes 2-63)
England lead by 2 runs
