KL Rahul became only the second Indian batsman to be dismissed on 199 as he joined Mohammad Azharuddin on this not so flattering list.
It was a day of mixed emotions for Rahul, who battled few physical concerns and put in a sterling display of concentration and stroke play and notched up his highest individual score. It was a chanceless innings which included 16 fours and 3 sixes.
However, when Adil Rashid threw one flighted delivery wide of off stump, the Karnataka boy could not resist and attempted a flamboyant drive, but could only skew it to cover. The entire crowd was silenced and Rahul slumped to his knees in utter disbelief.
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This innings was crucial for India and for Rahul as he in the midst of few middling scores and had to tone down his game which benefitted the team. He was involved in a century partnership with makeshift opener Parthiv Patel and the duo put together 152 for the first wicket. Parthiv got out for a bright 71.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli could not quite take advantage of the flat surface and both were dismissed after lunch. However, Rahul then combined with his state mate Karun Nair and the duo put together a sublime 151-run partnership for the 4th wicket.
Murali Vijay, who injured his shoulder in the field walked out to bat at number 6 to a jubilant local crowd. The batting conditions at the MA Chidambaram stadium were brilliant all through the day and the England bowlers toiled hard in the heat without much result.
The hosts had a good day in the office and would now look to drive home the advantage on Day 4, as the pitch has not shown any real signs of deterioration, save a few balls bouncing indifferently.
India ended the day at 391/4 and trail England by 86 runs.
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