2nd Test: KL Rahul ‘frustrated’ on missing out on a big score at Lord’s

India opener KL Rahul on Friday scored a calculated 129 against a potent English bowling attack during the 2nd Test at Lord’s. His play was filled with strokes and was about grit quotient in the first session and a half. He took charge once Rohit Sharma departed after stitching a 126-run opening stand with Rahul.

From defending doggedly and scrapping his way to 20 from the first 100-odd deliveries faced, Rahul suddenly gave charge to Moeen Ali, hitting him over long-off for a six and cover-drove James Anderson at the stroke of tea.

However, he was dismissed by Ollie Robinson on 129. At a post-match conference, the right-handed batsman rued missing out on a double century and taking the visitors to a stronger total in the second Test against England at the Lord’s.

Rahul (129) could add only two runs to his overnight score before walking back to the dressing room amid big applause. Having played a fine knock, Rahul’s was a soft dismissal as he drove straight to the cover fielder in only the day’s second delivery.

“I always get frustrated when I am set and get out. The morning today was crucial and I was just planning to add 70-80 runs in the morning session. I was feeling good, I was set,” the stylish Karnataka right-hander said at the press conference after the second day’s play.

“I am frustrated I missed out on a juicy half volley.”

The match was evenly poised after the second day’s play with England reaching 119/3 after batting for 45 overs, having bowled India out for 364 in their first innings.

Joe Root was batting on 48 and giving him company was Jonny Bairstow on 6.

Rahul said the plan for India would be to pick up some early wickets on Saturday and take the upper hand in the match.

“It’s too early to predict. We are taking things as it comes. Our plan will be to take some wickets tomorrow. We have planned for every batsmen and we will stick to our plans,” he said.