JOIN USK L Rahul continued his resurrection with a second successive half-century for India A against England Lions even as fellow opener Abhimanyu Easwaran struck 117 to headline opening day's play of the second four-day game against England Lions here on Wednesday.
Rahul followed up his 89 in the first match at Wayanad with 81 at the SDNRW ground here, to put himself in contention for a place in the limited-over squad in the home series against Australia with the selectors likely to rest at least one of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.
Courtesy Rahul's innings and Easwaran's (117) century, India A reached 282 for three at close of play.
Easwaran's knock, which came off 222 balls (13X4, 1X6), also helped India A raise 178-run partnership with Rahul (81, 166b, 11X4) at the top of the order, providing hosts a solid platform.
Easwaran began on a cautious note while Rahul was off the blocks quickly. He essayed some eye-catching shots on either side of the wicket.
The duo added 82 runs in the first session with Rahul swiftly moving to 46 while Easwaran after being on 12 from 36 balls at one stage, caught up with his partner to reach 31 at lunch.
Rahul and Easwaran continued to pick up runs with ease as the visiting bowlers struggled to make any impact in good batting conditions. The openers made most of the helpful pitch, piling on the runs and taking the score to 169 at the tea break.
However, when century was his for the taking, Rahul fell to medium-pacer Zak Chappell, for 81. Easwaran, who had overtaken Rahul by then, reached a well-deserved ton in 203 balls,
He was involved in a half-century partnership for the second wicket with Panchal, who looked in good touch, carrying on from his double ton in Wayanad.
Easwaran looked set for a big one before he gave spinner Dominic Bess his first wicket, edging one to wicketkeeper Ollie Pope.
Panchal and Test discard Karun Nair added 30 runs with the latter even hitting a big six before the Gujarat batsman was bowled by medium-pacer Tom Bailey for 50 (88 balls, 7X4).
It was another tough day for the visiting bowlers as Easwaran and Co held sway and they bounced back with wickets late in the day.