Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad vs Centurion might be as dissimilar as chalk and cheese. The track in South Africa has good bounce and carry, whereas the slow, low surface at Uppal Stadium presents an entirely different kind of challenge.
“The hundred in South Africa has given me some confidence. The aim was to stay positive when I went out to bat. Very different to that of South Africa (on the pitch) — a bit of turn, it became slower and slower as the ball went old. It was a challenge, I had to wait for my opportunity to play shots,” Rahul mentioned in post-match interview.
India reached 421/7 at stumps after scoring 302 runs during the day. England has a mountain to climb with a 175-run lead currently held by Jadeja and Axar Patel during a partnership of 63*.
Virat’s stance
Finding a suitable replacement for Virat Kohli at the crucial No. 4 spot was India’s main concern heading into the match. Rahul did a great job!
“(Yes) Enjoying batting in the middle-order. I did enjoy batting in the top-order for a long time, but here you get some time to put your feet up, watch as to how the ball is doing, what the bowlers are doing and it gives time to plan your innings,” Rahul said.
The top order had already established the platform, so the No. 4 batter’s goal was to keep it going. Rahul performed a fantastic job. He profited from keeper Ben Foakes’ early reprieve from Joe Root (which the umpire indicated was a bye). After that, he barely made a mistake. He looked to play late and straight, using the depth of the crease with his precise footwork.
A ray of hope
Earlier in the day, England had got off to the ideal start when Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught and bowled for 80 by part-time off-spinner Root in the opening over of play. Along with bowling more controllably than on Day 1, Tom Hartley claimed his maiden wicket in a Test match when Shubman Gill chipped a ball right to Ben Duckett at midwicket for 23, leaving India at 159/3.
Following lunch, leg-spinner Rehan had Iyer caught at deep midwicket, but Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja quickly put an end to England with a blistering 65-run partnership to seize the lead.
Axar concluded the game with two fours and a six off the final three balls that Hartley bowled, capping an incredible day.
