Daijiworld Media Network - Canterbury
Canterbury, May 30: Karun Nair bolstered his case for a Test recall with a brilliant unbeaten 186 on the opening day of the first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions at Canterbury. India A ended the day strongly at 409 for 3, riding on Nair’s classy knock and solid partnerships.
Nair, 33, walked in early after skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran fell for 8 in the sixth over. Initially overshadowed by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s promising start, Nair took charge after Jaiswal fell to a wild slog for 24. Batting alongside Sarfaraz Khan, Nair consolidated the innings, adding 181 for the third wicket.
The Lions’ inexperienced bowling attack (just six Test caps among them) struggled to contain Nair’s array of strokes — cuts, drives, pulls, and reverse sweeps. He was particularly strong through the off side, exploiting the gaps between point and mid-off with ease.
Nair did have a couple of nervous moments, including a dropped chance on 89 by Emilio Gay at second slip, but he otherwise batted with authority. After reaching his century post-tea, he celebrated quietly, acknowledging both the dressing room and a healthy crowd at the St Lawrence Ground.
Later, he was joined by Dhruv Jurel (82*), with whom he added an unbroken 177 for the fourth wicket, consolidating India A’s position.
With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the selectors are eyeing Nair’s experience for a middle-order slot in the upcoming five-Test series against England, starting June 20 in Leeds. Though left-hander B Sai Sudharsan is expected to debut at the top of the order, Nair’s big innings has given the team management plenty to think about for the crucial No. 6 position.
Nair, who last played a Test in 2017, remains India’s only second triple-centurion after Virender Sehwag. He’s been in prolific domestic form with Vidarbha, and Friday’s knock underlined his readiness to make a comeback.
— India A 409 for 3 at stumps on Day 1: Karun Nair 186*, Sarfaraz Khan 92, Dhruv Jurel 82*; Josh Hull 2-51.