Rahul returns for 2nd Test

India received a boost on Tuesday with the news that opener Lokesh Rahul has recovered from injury and is in contention to face England in this week's second Test.

"Rahul has fully recovered from his right hamstring injury and would be joining the squad today," the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in an emailed statement.

The right-handed batsman, 24, missed the opening Test in Rajkot -- in India's western state of Gujarat -- which finished in a draw on Sunday.

The second of what is a marathon five-match Test series starts on Thursday.

Rahul's timely return threatens the spot of veteran opener Gautam Gambhir, who disappointed in the first Test.