Team India openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul along with KL Rahul put India in a strong position on the first day of the Lord’s Test. At the end of the day, India were 273 for three. Rahul was unbeaten on 127 and Rohit Sharma scored 83. Rohit and Rahul made 126 for the first wicket. After the first day’s play, Rohit praised Rahul’s innings. He said it was his best innings so far.
Rohit said, “Probably the best innings I have seen KL batting and he was in full control of the innings from the first delivery to the end of the day.” This veteran player said, ‘Nowhere did he feel confused or over-thought. He was clear about his plan and it will definitely work when you trust your plan. I think today was his day and he took full advantage of it.
Rohit’s own innings laid the groundwork and he and Rahul were both happy to be in control when facing a new ball, thereby reducing the risk of dangerous shots. Rohit said, ‘This is the challenge of Test cricket. You can play a lot of shots but when you know the conditions are against you, you need to control yourself and play unnecessary shorter shots, especially with the new ball.
‘Once you stay in the crease, you can play your shots’
He said, ‘Once you start playing and you know the pitch and the conditions, you can try to play some of these shots. We played here respecting the conditions but it is important that we play according to our plan. From the tour of Australia to the present day we have done well as a batting group.
‘I had to open the innings with Mayank in the first Test’
Batsmen now know their role well. “Our batsmen now know their role. That is the most important thing and I think they are playing their roles accordingly,” he said. Asked what was the discussion between him and KL as the innings began in England, Rohit said, “Honestly, KL didn’t have to play the first game. Did not play, then came KL. When we came to bat we were discussing what to do. Similar items. Yes, I played Test cricket with KL for the first time but I have batted with him many times.
