India opener KL Rahul ends 9-year Test century drought at home

India opener KL Rahul ended his drought of Test centuries at home by getting to 100 before lunch on the second day of the opening Test against West Indies at Ahmedabad on Friday.

Rahul had waited nine years to get a Test ton at home, as his previous century on Indian soil was in Chennai in December 2016 against England. Rahul scored 199 in the first inning, but had a series of near misses at Tests in India.

Between his two Test tons at home, Rahul hit five more in the longer format, all away, including two in a series in England in June-July this year. Rahul has 11 Test centuries from 111 innings.

The stylish right-hander batted with resolve, but had been lucky as earlier on the day, an edge flew between the wicketkeeper and first slip.

Even before Rahul reached his century, India had ensured a lead in the first innings. India were 218/3 at lunch in response to the Windies' total of 162. However, he couldn’t add to the score and fell shortly after play resumed, driving Jomel Warrican into the hands of Justin Greaves at cover.