KL Rahul becomes second Indian after Gavaskar to achieve unique SENA feat

BIRMINGHAM: KL Rahul continued his fine overseas run in Test cricket, becoming only the second Indian opener after legendary Sunil Gavaskar to score 10 or more scores of fifty-plus in South Africa, England, New Zealand and South Africa (SENA) countries.

KL achieved this unique milestone during the second Test against England at Birmingham. In the second innings, after a poor score of two runs in the first, KL made up for it with a rock-solid, stroke-filled 55 in 84 balls, with 10 fours at a strike rate of 65.48.

Now in 23 SENA Tests as an opener since 2015, KL has scored 1,508 runs at an average of 35.06, with five centuries and five fifties each. His best score is 149.

Gavaskar has the most fifty-plus scores for India as an opener in SENA, with eight centuries and 11 fifties.

So far, in two Tests and four innings on this tour, KL has scored 236 runs at an average of 59.00, with a century and a fifty each and his best score being an elegant, smooth-as-silk 137 at Leeds during the first Test.

During this decade, KL has been India’s most successful opener in SENA, with 1,029 runs in 13 Tests and 26 innings at an average of 41.16, with three centuries and five fifties. His best score is 137.

Indian skipper Shubman Gill and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stood tall as India extended their lead by 357 runs at the end of the first session on Day 4 of the second test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Saturday.

At lunch on Day 4, India was 177/3 with Shubman Gill 24* and Rishabh Pant 41* unbeaten at the crease.

India made 113 runs in the first session and lost two wickets – KL Rahul and Karun Nair. India started Day 4 on 64/1, leading by 244 runs. (ANI)