London, Aug 13 (IANS): Batsman K.L. Rahul, who till 10 days ago wasnt even sure of a place in the playing XI in the Test series against England, on Thursday became only the third Indian opener to score a Test century at Lords.

Vinoo Mankad (184 in 1952) and current Indian team coach Ravi Shastri (100 in 1990) are the only other Indian openers to have achieved the feat.

The right-handed batsman reached his sixth career Test century with his ninth boundary and on the 212th ball he faced. He shared century stands with Rohit Sharma (83) and skipper Virat Kohli.

The ongoing Test series against England has given a fresh lease of life to the Karnataka batsman, who was being considered for the middle-order and got an opportunity only after regular openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal had to sit out due to fitness issues.

Gill had to return home following a leg injury whereas Agarwal was out following concussion just prior to the first Test at Trent Bridge. Rahul had made 84 and 26 in the first Test.

On Thursday, the right-handed batsman started cautiously along with fellow opener Sharma.

Even as Sharma started playing his shots, Rahul remained guarded in his approach and kept leaving the deliveries outside the off-stump. As the innings progressed, he opened up with his square drives to take control.