Following Day 4, KL Rahul, reflecting on his century and becoming the first Asian to achieve three opening centuries in England, believes the hosts will pose a significant challenge. He noted the changing pitch conditions, likening the morning session against England to traditional seam bowling conditions. Rahul anticipates a thrilling final day, with overcast conditions potentially favoring the seamers.
Discussing the pitch, Rahul observed, “I think the first two days, being as hot as it was, the pitch has taken a bit of beating. The crack seems like it’s opening up. There’s a bit of rough there, and the wicket is really dry. Mostly, it’s like a subcontinent wicket on day five.” He also mentioned the England team’s aggressive style, stating, “Day five wicket won’t be as easy, but knowing how England play and their style of cricket, they’re going to come hard and try and score boundaries and try and score runs as quickly as possible. We need to keep that in the back of our heads and try and bowl as straight as we can. Try and be patient and really not give them those boundaries, make them earn their runs. It should be a very interesting day.”
Rahul further added, “It was very different this morning. It almost felt like it was the first time we were actually in English conditions. The ball was seeming around, it was overcast. There was a bit happening from the wicket. The first couple of days when we batted, there wasn’t much. There was a bit of swing in the air, but nothing off the pitch. But this morning it was a really good spell.”