MANCHESTER– Former India head coach Ravi Shastri praised openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal for delivering a composed yet confident start on Day One of the fourth Test against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. Their unbroken partnership guided India to 78 for no loss in 26 overs at lunch, a performance Shastri called “first class.”
“That was a proper session from India, given the overcast conditions, some pace around, and England having experienced bowlers,” Shastri said on Sky Sports. “It was the right mix of caution and aggression. They left a lot of balls, trusted their defense, and began to up the ante toward the end. Rahul just doesn’t look like getting out.”
After England won the toss and opted to bowl first, KL Rahul played a technically sound innings, remaining unbeaten on 40 off 82 deliveries. Former England captain Nasser Hussain was equally impressed, describing Rahul’s approach as “classic batting in English conditions.”
“He has a wonderful technique—almost like an English opening batter,” said Hussain. “It’s a real asset for this Indian side. All the great players who succeed in England, like Kumar Sangakkara, talk about defending straight and scoring square. That’s exactly what Rahul has done.”
Jaiswal, on the other hand, demonstrated maturity and patience, batting through challenging conditions to reach 36 not out off 74 balls. “This tour will make Jaiswal twice the player he is,” said Shastri. “He respected the conditions and the new ball after struggling at Lord’s. Then about 30 minutes before lunch, he began playing his shots—the uppercut, the slash over the slips.”
While Hussain acknowledged that England were unlucky not to claim a wicket, he also noted their failure to consistently bowl full enough lengths. “They beat the bat several times, especially Woakes to Jaiswal. But Carse didn’t quite find his rhythm and bowled too short,” he observed. “Had they bowled fuller, they could’ve brought the slips and gully more into play. Someone like Rahul, who drives square in the air, invites that tactic.”
Looking ahead to the afternoon session, Shastri advised India to reset and begin cautiously. “Start from scratch, bat like you did in the morning for at least the first 20 minutes. Then apply pressure and bring the spinner into the game,” he said.
Hussain, meanwhile, recommended England open the post-lunch session with their best-performing bowlers. “Woakes and Archer were the pick of the lot in the morning, so I’d go with them,” he concluded. (Source: IANS)
