There were no doubts over KL Rahul’s ability, seeing his run of form in the domestic circuit, and the Karnataka lad made it count in the international stage as well by scoring his maiden Test hundred at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the fourth Test against Australia.
Rahul’s first hundred came on oversees tour, which made it even more special for the youngster. The 22-year-old Rahul was a bit sceptical during the start of his innings but after spending time in the middle he eased into the confidence.
Mitchell Starc ended Rahul’s innings when he attempted to pull the ball from outside off but it went straight up in the air and the Australian pacer made no mistake in completing the catch.
Rahul played a key role in keeping the Australian attack at bay and play the likes of Starc, Ryan Harris and Nathan Lyon with confidence and ease.
The Indian opener stitched two crucial partnerships in the middle with Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli. Rahul made a 97-run stand with Rohit and helped the team recover, after losing Murali Vijay in the first over of the innings.
After the departure of Rohit, Rahul kept his composure and made a 141-run stand with Kohli, who also played with grit and determination, and defused any pressure created by the Aussie bowlers.
Rahul spent 356 minutes at the crease and faced 262 balls for his 110, featuring 13 fours and one massive six on off-spinner Lyon.