Pataudi Trophy 2021, 2nd Test: KL Rahul's century puts India on top at stumps on Day 1

India and England are fighting it out in the second Test of the Pataudi Trophy 2021 at Lord's in London. The opening Test ended in a frustrating draw, as both sides look to draw first blood here.

Pataudi Trophy 2021, 2nd Test, Day 1: Report and scorecard-ayh

Ayush Gupta

London, First Published Aug 12, 2021, 6:40 PM IST | Last Updated Aug 12, 2021, 11:59 PM IST

On Thursday, India remained on top on Day 1 of the second Test for the 2021 Pataudi Trophy at Lord's in London. Opener KL Rahul struck a brilliant unbeaten century, with India finishing on 276/3 at stumps.

The toss was initially delayed due to a quick passing shower, as English skipper Joe Root won the toss and elected to bowl first, making three changes. As for India, skipper Virat Kohli made a change, bringing in pacer Ishant Sharma for fellow pacer Shardul Thakur.

The openers were watchful, scoring just eight runs within the opening nine overs. However, following the tenth over, both picked up some pace, scoring runs in a flurry before the rain barged in and forced the players off the field at 46/0, thereby implementing an early lunch break.

In the post-lunch session, the openers continued their composed gameplay while Rohit scored his 13th Test half-century in the process. After contributing to a 126-run opening stand, the partnership was finally broken by seamer James Anderson, who knocked over Rohit for 83.

In came Cheteshwar Pujara and looked in good touch. However, he could add just 24 more runs along with Rahul, as he fell for a mere nine to the same man after being caught by Jonny Bairstow at the slips.

However, before Pujara's dismissal, Rahul had already brought up his 13th Test half-century, as he looked in delicate touch. As Kohli came onto the crease, he could face just a couple of deliveries before the tea break kicked in at 157/2.

The post-tea session saw the pair of Rahul and Kohli take significant control of the session, contributing to a 117-run stand for the third wicket. It was during this phase when Rahul brought up his sixth Test century.

At 267, Kohli fell eight runs short of his 26th Test half-century after pacer Ollie Robinson forced him to edge to Root in the slips. Rahul and incoming batsman Ajinkya Rahane managed to bat out the remainder of the session, with India finishing on 2756/3.

As for England, four pacers and a spinner were utilised. While Anderson has been the most impactful so far, Robinson has been economical.
Brief scores: India 276/3 (Rohit- 83, Rahul- 127*; Anderson 2/52) vs England

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