The air crackled with anticipation as IND vs ENG Day 2 of the first Test in Hyderabad unfolded. England, bolstered by a decent score of 246 in their first innings, perhaps dreamt of putting India under pressure. But little did they know, they were about to witness a masterclass in batting, from the KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.
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Young Yashasvi Jaiswal, with his audacious stroke-making, had already given India a solid start on Day 1. Today, the baton was passed on to the experienced KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. The duo stitched together a beautiful partnership, defying the English bowlers with elegant drives and deft flicks. Boundaries flowed like the Hussain Sagar Lake after the monsoon, and each shot met with thunderous applause from the ecstatic Hyderabad crowd.
Jaddu's 50 and sword celebration! That's a crowd puller! #INDvsENG #Jadeja pic.twitter.com/SniJRGOVG7
— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) January 26, 2024
But tragedy struck just as the partnership threatened to run away with the game. Shreyas Iyer, looking in sublime touch, departed for 35, leaving Rahul stranded on 86. Enter Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder extraordinaire. In typical Ravindra Jadeja fashion, he started cautiously, building his innings brick by brick. Soon, though, he found his rhythm, punishing anything loose with his trademark flick of the wrist.
The partnership between Rahul and Jadeja was a masterclass in contrasting styles. Rahul, the flamboyant artist, played with a flourish, while Jadeja, the gritty grafter, held the fort. Together, they added a monumental 130 runs, taking India past the 300-run mark and completely crushing England’s hopes of a comeback.
Just when everyone thought Rahul might reach his hundred, Tom Hartley sent him back to the pavilion for 86. But the momentum that he had built carried on. Ravindra Jadeja is on 81 not-out, and Axar Patel remained unbeaten on 35.
No KL Rahul fan will pass without liking these shots🔥#KLRahul #INDvsENG #INDvENG #RepublicDay2024 #RepublicDay #26January2024 #26january #ProudIndian Constitution Gabba zz pic.twitter.com/hiN3upSnG0
— Pankaj Chaudhary (@1012Pcjaat) January 26, 2024
By the end of Day 2, India had amassed a huge 421/7, a lead of 175 runs. The bowlers did their part, with Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin sharing 6 wickets. England’s bowlers, on the other hand, looked jaded and frustrated, unable to find any answers to the Indian onslaught.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, one thing was clear: India had firmly seized control of the Test. The England captain, Ben Stokes, must be having some sleepless nights already, contemplating how to claw his way back from this massive deficit.
Day 3 of IND vs ENG 1st Test promises to be another thriller. Will India capitalize on their advantage and push for a quick win? Or will England summon some fighting spirit and make a game of it? One thing’s for sure, the Hyderabad crowd won’t miss a single moment of this epic cricketing battle. So buckle up, fans, because this Test is just getting started.
