Karun Nair 186 not out highlights India A's dominant batting show vs England Lions

India Today

30-05-2025

India A produced a dominant batting display on Day 1 of their four-day red-ball match against England Lions at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury. Karun Nair made a compelling case for a place in the senior Test XI for the upcoming five-match series against England, beginning on 20 June. At stumps, India A had surged to an imposing 409 for 3 in 90 overs, making an emphatic start to their three-match tour of Old Blighty.advertisementNair brought up his 24th first-class hundred – and his second in succession – following his match-winning knock in the Ranji Trophy final for Vidarbha earlier this year. He was in sublime touch, striking 24 boundaries and a six, capitalising on favourable batting conditions in Canterbury.India A were jolted early by the loss of their captain Abhimanyu Easwaran and fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, but Nair and Sarfaraz Khan combined to steady the innings. The duo put on a mammoth 181-run stand for the third wicket, thwarting any momentum the England Lions had hoped to build.
Post-Tea, Dhruv Jurel joined Nair in the middle and immediately got into his groove, cashing in on some lacklustre bowling from a weary England Lions attack. Jurel raced to an unbeaten 82 off just 104 deliveries, showcasing a fine blend of aggression and control as the bowlers struggled to maintain intensity in the final session.advertisementWhile both Sarfaraz and Jurel displayed impressive skill and temperament, it was Karun Nair who stood out, exhibiting composure, elegance and a wide range of strokes. He took his time early on, seeing off the new ball against a disciplined four-pronged pace attack, before opening up with confident strokeplay.Karun Nair has done itHe played under the clouds but did not gift his wicket. Showed Great Temperament#INDAvsENGLions #KarunNair @BCCIClip credit: @ECB_cricket pic.twitter.com/FtACAQhxad— The Cricket Pundits (@TCPofficial_X) May 30, 2025Nair, armed with a mountain of runs in domestic cricket and a solid stint with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, appeared calm and assured at the crease. His footwork was sharp — decisive against spin and pace alike. Whether rocking back to punch through cover or driving on the front foot, he looked in complete control.His judgement outside the off-stump was immaculate, giving the Indian team management plenty to ponder as they prepare for life without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of a new cycle in the World Test Championship.Particularly impressive was Nair's backfoot play; he allowed the ball to come to him, playing late and handling the bouncers with aplomb. The Karnataka batter, who last played for India in 2017, displayed authority with his pull and hook shots, reminding everyone of his class and experience.EASWARAN AND JAISWAL DISAPPOINTadvertisementEarlier in the day, there was disappointment for skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, who failed to capitalise on yet another opportunity, falling leg-before to left-arm pacer Josh Hull. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who looked assured during his 55-ball 24, will rue his shot selection — a loose drive off pacer Eddie Jack resulted in a catch behind to Lions skipper James Rew.Sarfaraz Khan, too, was visibly dejected as he missed out on a well-deserved century by just eight runs. The Mumbai batter, who was omitted from India's Test squad for the England tour, was caught behind while attempting to glance a harmless delivery down the leg-side — a soft dismissal after a composed innings.As India A look to pile on further runs on Day 2, the first-innings total is expected to provide their bowlers with a sizeable cushion as they adapt to English conditions. With several players staking a claim for senior selection, the visitors will hope the momentum continues across the four-day contest.Must Watch