In a three-day preparatory match in Chester-le-Street, Durham, India is taking on a County Select XI. The opening day's highlights were undoubtedly KL Rahul's century and Ravindra Jadeja's half-century. Rohit Sharma stepped up to lead the side in place of the injured Virat Kohli, guiding India to a first-day score of 306/9.
After winning the toss, India opted to bat, but their top order crumbled early on. The team struggled to find rhythm, losing both openers—Rohit Sharma for 9 and Mayank Agarwal for 28—within the first 50 runs. The instability continued as the reliable Cheteshwar Pujara was stumped by Jack Carson for 21, and Hanuma Vihari departed shortly after for 24, offering a straightforward catch to mid-off.
KL Rahul arrived at the crease at number five and immediately took control, scoring rapidly with a series of boundary-hitting shots. His well-earned 101 came via 11 fours and a six, serving as a potent reminder of his capabilities to the team management. He found a great partner in Ravindra Jadeja, who read the conditions perfectly to score 75. Together, they stabilized the innings with a crucial 127-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Due to a combination of injuries and Covid-19 disruptions, the England Cricket Board couldn't field a full side, leading Indian players Avesh Khan and Washington Sundar to feature for the County Select XI. However, Avesh Khan was forced to leave the game early after sustaining a thumb injury.