KL Rahul etched his name deeper into Indian cricket history on Day 3 at Lord’s by scoring his 10th Test century, becoming just the 18th Indian man to reach double digits in career Test hundreds. More notably, Rahul became only the second Indian after Dilip Vengsarkar to score multiple Test centuries at the iconic venue—earning himself a rare second place on the Lord’s Honours Board.
Rahul’s innings of 100 off 177 balls was a masterclass in patience and poise, holding India’s innings together as wickets fell around him. This was his second century of the series and came off 176 balls, marked by 11 fours and a steely resolve. He brought up his fifty late on Day 2, reaching the milestone in 97 deliveries.
On a pitch that rewarded application and discipline, Rahul was a constant at one end as India navigated early challenges, particularly the threat of a resurgent Jofra Archer.
Archer, playing his first Test in four-and-a-half years, struck early to remove the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal. Karun Nair then joined Rahul in a 61-run stand before falling for 40 to a stunning Joe Root catch at slip. Shubman Gill, who has been in sublime touch through the series, fell cheaply again—caught behind off Chris Woakes for 16.
Through it all, Rahul remained unflustered. His strokeplay was measured, and his footwork precise. He found a willing partner in Rishabh Pant, who was nursing a finger injury but still batted with characteristic flair. The duo took India into the lead and looked set to dominate the afternoon session.
However, just before Lunch, India suffered a body blow. After Rahul completed his hundred with a single, Pant attempted a risky single off the third ball of the over. A moment’s hesitation proved costly.
Ben Stokes swooped in from cover and hit the bullseye at the bowler’s end with a direct hit to catch Pant well short of his crease for 74. India went into the break at 248/4, having lost a wicket on the final ball of the session despite an otherwise dominant display.
