Karun Nair has made a strong case for himself for a spot in the Indian Test side after his sensational knock of 186* runs in the 1st Unofficial Test match between England Lions and India A at Canterbury.
Batting first, India A posted 409 runs on the board for the loss of 3 wickets at the end of Day 1’s play. Despite the openers getting out cheaply, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel steadied India’s ship and posted some good knocks.
Nair, who is also a triple-centurion in Test cricket, scored 186* runs in 246 deliveries. His knock is laced with 24 fours and 1 six. He batted extremely well and sent out a strong statement – that he can accustom to a new format and new conditions as well.
Notably, the first batch of Indian players representing IPL franchises that did not make it to the Playoffs, are playing the 1st Unofficial Test match for India A.
After skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran was sent back to the hut after scoring 8 runs, Karun Nair walked in and bossed the game. He made a mockery of the bowling of England Lions and played some stellar shots that were oozing with class and composure.
Dhruv Jurel and Karun Nair are batting overnight
After Sarfaraz Khan was dismissed by Josh Hull, Dhruv Jurel joined Nair and scored 82* runs in 104 deliveries. His knock is peppered with 9 fours and 1 six. Both the batters are batting overnight and Jurel would be looking to score his hundred.
On the other hand, Karun Nair would be looking to smash another Double Century and is in pole position to do so. This Unofficial Test match is serving as a preparatory match for India’s gruelling 5-Test match series in England.
While veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin have retired from Test cricket, the onus is on the youngsters now. Shubman Gill will be leading the Test side and Rishabh Pant will be his deputy.
India lock horns with England from 20th June 2025 in the 1st Test match. It will be contested at the Headingley Carnegie and is slated to begin from 3:30 PM (IST).
