KL Rahul batting on 98 during Day 3 as India reduce England’s lead at Sabina Park
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📍 Sabina Park | 🗓 Day 3 | 🕖 Session 1
India trail by 139 runs

KL Rahul continued to lead India’s fightback on Day 3 with a calm and composed knock. He is unbeaten on 98 off 171 balls, steering India closer to England’s first-innings total. With 13 boundaries and a strike rate of 57.30, Rahul’s innings has been built on solid technique and smart shot selection.

Although India started the day trailing by 190 runs, they’ve made good progress, cutting the deficit down to 139. They added 51 runs in the last 10 overs, losing just one wicket. That dismissal, however, was a major one—Rishabh Pant, who fell after an aggressive 74 off 112 balls.

🔍 KL Rahul Anchors India’s Response

From the very beginning of the session, KL Rahul looked in control. He respected the good deliveries, yet never missed a chance to score. Moreover, his ability to rotate the strike ensured that the pressure didn’t build up on either end.

In recent months, Rahul’s place in the side has faced questions. However, this innings has answered many of those doubts. He showed patience when required, and aggression when the bowlers strayed. Consequently, he has held the Indian innings together despite England’s efforts.

🎯 KL Rahul vs England Bowlers – Key Stats

KL Rahul’s Session Snapshot:

  • Runs: 98* (171 balls)
  • Fours: 13
  • Strike Rate: 57.30
  • Vs Shoaib Bashir: 6 off 17 balls
  • Last 10 overs: 22 off 23 balls

As the innings progressed, Rahul’s tempo increased. While he was cautious early on, he soon found ways to rotate the strike and cash in on poor deliveries, especially from the spinners.

🎯 England’s Bowling Summary

Shoaib Bashir (OB):

  • 8.3-1-33-0 | Econ: 3.88
  • This spell: 2.3-0-11-0

Ben Stokes (RFM):

  • 11-2-44-1 | Econ: 4.00
  • This spell: 5-0-28-0

England’s bowlers toiled hard but lacked consistency. As a result, Rahul was able to settle in quickly. Bashir, in particular, failed to maintain pressure, often releasing it with a loose delivery. Stokes managed to dismiss Pant, but his short-ball ploy didn’t trouble Rahul much.

📈 KL Rahul’s Test Career at a Glance

  • Matches: 61
  • Runs: 3591
  • Highest Score: 199
  • Average: 35.55

Clearly, this knock could be one of Rahul’s most valuable innings. Not only is it coming at a time when the team needed him to step up, but it’s also being played in testing conditions. If he reaches three figures, it would significantly boost India’s chances of leveling the match.

💥 Other Key Match Updates

  • Last Wicket: Rishabh Pant – 74 (112 balls)
  • Fall of Wicket: 248/4 in 65.3 overs
  • Run Rate: 3.78
  • Overs Remaining Today: 67.3
  • DRS:
    • India: 3 remaining
    • England: 2 remaining

Even though Pant’s wicket came against the run of play, India has managed to maintain control thanks to Rahul’s presence at the crease.

🔮 What’s Next for India?

India will aim to build a strong total and possibly gain a first-innings lead. While KL Rahul remains the key, support from the middle and lower order will be vital. Additionally, with the pitch beginning to wear, batting will likely get more difficult.

If India can add another 100+ runs, they’ll be in a commanding position. That said, England’s bowlers still have enough skill to turn things around quickly. Hence, the next session could prove decisive.