India hit back with Rahane’s ton

Batsman hits his second Test century as the tourists recovery from a mid-innings wobble to defy England in 2nd Test.

Rahane hit 15 fours and a six in his innings [Reuters]

Ajinkya Rahane scored a well-compiled century to help rescue India’s first innings on the opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s.

First day scorecard

India first innings

M Vijay c Ballance b Plunkett 24
S Dhawan c Ballance b Anderson 7
C Pujara b Stokes 28
V Kohli c Prior b Anderson 25
A Rahane c and b Anderson 103
MS Dhoni c Prior b Broad 1
R Jadeja lbw Moeen 3
S Binny lbw Anderson 9
B Kumar b Broad 36
M Shami not out 14
I Sharma not out 12

Extras (nb-1, b-17, lb-10) 28
Total (for nine wickets) 290
Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-48, 3-86, 4-113, 5-123, 6-128, 7-145, 8-235, 9-275

England had reduced the visitors to 145 for seven on a bowler-friendly pitch early in the final session, but Rahane’s 103, along with support from number nine Bhuvneshwar Kumar (36), ensured India had rallied to 290 for nine at the close.

Having won the toss and elected to bowl, the hosts initially struggled to find their rhythm on a green-looking surface, taking only two wickets before lunch.

However, a four-wicket burst in the middle session followed by another dismissal shortly after tea put England in control before Rahane’s late assault.

Rahane’s knock, which included 15 fours and a six, was ended by a sharp caught-and-bowled effort by Anderson late in the day.

Tail-enders Ishant Sharma (12) and Mohammed Shami (14) safely navigated the closing overs to ensure England will have to come out and bowl on Friday morning.

Source: Reuters