Published: Jan 09, 2015, 07:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 09, 2015, 07:30 AM (IST)
KL Rahul’s maiden Test ton in the fourth Test at Sydney has not only earned him laurels from former players but has also brought a smile on the lips of every Indian supporter. He opened the innings after Shikhar Dhawan was dropped and he has finally justified his selection despite a horrendous debut at Melbourne. Pramod Ananth tells you more about Rahul’s marvellous innings.
For the first time this series, India had a new opening batting pair — Murali Vijay and the 22-year-old KL Rahul. Vijay has been in tremendous form in this series; it seemed he will be the one to get India a brisk start after Australia had declared for 572 for seven; but it did not turn out that way as he chased one outside off and was caught behind off Mitchell Starc for a blob.
Rohit Sharma has not been among runs, but he looked determined to change that. He looked to get some quick runs, while Rahul kept things steady at his end. The pair put on 97 for the second wicket; Rahul showed great technique and temperament and showed no signs of getting out. He would surely not have wanted to throw his wicket away the way he had done at Melbourne.
Virat Kohli joined Rahul. Kohli, having broken many records in this series already, would go on to break many more of them in his innings of 140 not out at stumps on Day Three.
At the other end, Rahul managed to reach his maiden Test fifty off 161 balls just before lunch. He was calm and composed in his approach, playing each ball to its merit. But he had a lucky escape when he skied a ball over slips and Steven Smith dropped what looked to be a straight forward catch. Smith would then blame the spidercam for blind-sighting him.
Rahul had no reason to complain. The important thing was that he was still there, and had a chance to convert his start into a big innings. He did just that as he would reach his maiden Test century at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) off 253 balls.
The pair complimented each other in their 141-run stand: while Kohli played his natural game and put the balls away with great ease and did not mind going over the top occasionally, Rahul had a more circumspect attitude, though he did not shy away from playing his strokes once he got his eye in.
Rahul hit 13 fours and a six in his 356-ball innings of 110 before he hit one back to Starc. His innings, and more importantly his partnerships with Rohit Kohli, will go a long way in deciding the final outcome of the match. Rahul has shown that he can quickly learn from his mistakes and has the right temperament to play a long innings, just like his idol Rahul Dravid.
It will not be an understatement to call Rahul’s innings classy. He went about his business quietly at the other end, not flustered by Vijay’s departure, unfazed by the rapid scoring by Rohit and Kohli. He did not try to match his partners shot for shot. He knew his strengths and stuck to them without being flashy. One can only hope he puts in consistent performances and provides the selectors the luxury of plenty.
(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)
