KL Rahul stamped his authority yet again in overseas conditions with a gritty century on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions at Northampton on June 6. Opening the innings in testing conditions, Rahul’s hundred was not just about runs—it was about resilience, rhythm, and responsibility, especially with senior names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having stepped away from Test cricket.
Rahul’s start was cautious—he managed just one run off his first 10 deliveries and waited till the 11th ball to open his boundary count. Rain interrupted the flow soon after the departure of Yashasvi Jaiswal, but post-resumption, Rahul found his footing. Even as wickets fell around him, including that of Abhimanyu Easwaran, the Karnataka batter remained composed and went into Lunch unbeaten on 26 off 58 balls.
Displaying great patience, he reached his half-century in the 38th over, needing 102 balls. Post Tea, Rahul shifted gears, finding his rhythm and even lofting the only six of the day.
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On 93 heading into the final session, he completed his century off a no-ball—an unusual but symbolic moment that underlined his persistence. He finally perished for 116 while attempting an expansive shot, edging a full delivery to second slip, moments after crunching a boundary.
Just the start of the English summer for KL 💪pic.twitter.com/TXlC2iBkKb
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) June 6, 2025
@klrahul starts his England summer with a 💯in Northampton #klrahul #indiacricket #indvseng pic.twitter.com/6h9ZdvbcqF
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) June 6, 2025
Century for KL Rahul 😍
If Batting in England is an Art, then KL Rahul is an Artist 🥶 pic.twitter.com/732wEgHwQz
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒂 (@SheraVK18) June 6, 2025
🚨2025- what a ride it has been for KL Rahul in all three formats!🚨
– Average of 140 in Champions Trophy
– Scored 500 runs with 150 strike in IPL
-Now started England summer with a CenturyAre we officially in the Era of Kl Rahul peak?!!! pic.twitter.com/YMUTlRcL0z
— Lordgod 🚩™ (@LordGod188) June 6, 2025
Classy. Composed. @klrahul 🔥
KL Rahul brings up a brilliant 💯* off 111 balls vs England A in swinging conditions 13 fours, 1 six, and still going strong!
Perfect comeback, perfect prep before the England Test series. 🏏💥#KLRahul #ENGvINDA #TeamIndia #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/DFqvX8Fo4q— Vivian Yash (@YashVivian) June 6, 2025
– Mr Dependable for India in CT 2025.
– Most runs for DC in IPL 2025.
– Now Hundred for India A.KL RAHUL – WHAT A PLAYER, ABSOLUTE CLASS. 🙇🌟 pic.twitter.com/pZVb8W2BE0
— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) June 6, 2025
HUNDRED FOR KL RAHUL 👑
– 19th First Class Hundred for Rahul, What a start to the England tour, he is going to be vital for India’s chances in the tough series, The man made for opening. pic.twitter.com/rk213WeMXL
— Sanjay Saran (@SanjaySara01) June 6, 2025
KL Rahul’s hundred couldn’t have come at a better time for Indian cricket. With a transitional phase underway in the Test setup, Rahul’s presence at the top is a reassuring factor. His record in England has always been impressive—614 runs in 18 innings, including two centuries—and this knock reinforces his command in these conditions.
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His effort powered India A to a strong 252/5 at the end of 61.2 overs. Supporting contributions came from Dhruv Jurel (52) and Karun Nair (40), while Nitish Kumar Reddy was unbeaten at the crease. Among the bowlers, Chris Woakes (3 wickets) and George Hill (2 wickets) shared the spoils for England Lions.
The first unofficial Test ended in a draw, where Karun Nair made headlines with a double century. Rahul’s return to form now adds depth and hope to the squad as India eyes stability in its evolving red-ball journey.
