India A vs England Lions, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 1 Highlights: KL Rahul Shines With Ton But England Lions Bowlers Dominate

By Admin

07 Jun, 2025

Rahul's Comeback Class

The 2nd Unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions kicked off with a rain-hit Day 1, but it still offered plenty of talking points most notably KL Rahul’s stunning century. Making his return to red-ball cricket, Rahul looked composed and confident as he anchored the innings with a masterful 116 off 168 balls. This century, his 19th in first-class cricket, comes at a crucial time as he eyes a strong comeback for the upcoming five-match Test series against England’s senior side.

Facing a Tough Attack

Rahul’s ton was not just about runs it was about making a statement against a formidable bowling attack that included experienced England pacer Chris Woakes. Battling swing, seam, and overcast conditions, Rahul showed great patience and control, often leaving deliveries with purpose and punishing anything loose. His innings laid a solid foundation, but the rest of the India A batting line-up faced constant pressure.

Support from Jurel

Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel continued his rich vein of form, scoring a fluent 52 off 87 deliveries. This marks his third consecutive half-century in the series, proving his growing reliability in the middle order. Together, Rahul and Jurel stitched a crucial partnership, keeping the scoreboard ticking and weathering the Lions’ disciplined bowling.

England Lions Fight Back

Despite Rahul’s heroics, the England Lions bowlers had their moments. They kept chipping away at the wickets, especially after dismissing Rahul. As the ball continued to move in the damp conditions, the bowlers extracted enough to test India A’s depth. By stumps, India A had reached 319 for 7 in 83 overs.

At the Close of Play

The final phase of the day saw Tanush Kotian (5*) and Anshul Kamboj (1*) at the crease, holding fort for India A as rain brought an early end to the day’s play. With three wickets in hand and two settled batters, India A will hope to push the total beyond 350 on Day 2.

Looking Ahead

Day 1 of the 2nd Unofficial Test highlighted the balance between bat and ball. KL Rahul’s ton was the clear standout, offering a big boost to India’s Test squad plans. However, England Lions' bowlers proved they are no pushovers, making Day 2 an exciting prospect for cricket fans.