IND vs ENG Hyderabad Test: Three talking points from Day 2 featuring specialist batter KL Rahul and off-spinner Joe Root

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The opening Test match between India and England has by far tilted in favour of the hosts as they munched on the visitors across all facets of the game. While the tourists performed in patches, they were far from reaching the sweet spot, whereas the home side sailed smoothly, which propelled them forward in the battle at the close of play on day two.

With a healthy lead of 175 runs, the Indians are in a commanding position, or perhaps, they are a step closer to taking the first lead in the five-match series, considering the quality, composure and defiance they have shown in the game so far. Meanwhile, let’s now delve into some interesting things that unfolded on Day 2 of the Hyderabad Test.

1. Joe Root sabotages Yashasvi Jaiswal’s party in the first over of Day 2

India’s young opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 76* on the first day's play. However, on the subsequent day, skipper Ben Stokes made a tactical bowling change by giving the ball to Joe Root and the latter got rid of Jaiswal in the second ball of the first over of Day 2.

The left-handed batter hit Root’s delivery for a four in the first ball of the day before he fell prey to Root’s dismissal. The left-hander attempted to go for a drive over Root but got a thick outside edge before Root jumped high to complete the catch. Jaiswal departed after scoring 80 (10 fours, 3 sixes).

2. KL Rahul showcases class and elegance

KL Rahul drew plaudits for his exceptional batting on the second day’s play at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The classy batter made a telling impact with the bat as he pitched in with a decisive 86 and constructed his innings with the help of 8 fours and 2 hits over the fence. He missed out on a well-deserved century by 14 runs while trying to play an aggressive shot. His wait for a Test hundred on home soil just elongated.

3. Ravindra Jadeja provides stability in middle-order

India’s productive all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has well and truly transformed into a mature middle-order batsman, offering stability and chipping in with valuable runs for the team in the last few years. During the first Test against England, he assessed the conditions and went about his work on Day 2. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten on 81* including 7 fours and 2 sixes. He played one of the crucial roles in helping the team extend a sizable lead.