KL Rahul staked his claim for a berth in the India XI, ahead of the first Test against England in Nottingham, with a century in the warm-up game at Durham on Tuesday.
Rahul, who batted at No.5, made 101 off 150 balls before being retired out. The Indians are still undecided on Rohit Sharma’s opening partner after Shubman Gill was ruled out with a shin injury. Mayank Agarwal, the other opening choice, made 28.
Most of the batsmen couldn’t build on their starts as India reached 306 for nine at stumps on Day I. Ravindra Jadeja scored 75. Rohit (9), Cheteshwar Pujara (21) and Hanuma Vihari (24) were among others dismissed.
The Indians, who wore black armbands to mourn the demise of 1983 World Cup-winning team member Yashpal Sharma, are without Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Both decided to take rest because of fitness concerns.
While Kohli felt some stiffness in his back late on Monday evening, Rahane has mild swelling around his left upper hamstring which “has been addressed by an injection.”
Rohit is leading the side. India’s Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar turned out for ECB’s Select County XI after the home team lost players due to injury and Covid-19 related isolation.
