New Delhi: Continuing his purple patch with the willow, India batter Karun Nair slammed a magnificent double hundred for India A in their practice match against England Lions at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury on Saturday, May 31. Nair, who completed his ton on the opening day of the unofficial Test, went on to notch up his double ton off 272 balls on Day 2 on Saturday.
Nair played a sublime knock of 204 runs off 281 deliveries, helping India post a daunting total of 534/8 in their first innings of the practice match against England Lions. The experienced right-hander, who was in red-hot form in domestic cricket back home, proved why he has been handed a Test recall after eight years with his brilliant double ton against the England Lions.
Nair reached his double century with a four off pacer Eddie Jack in the 101st over of India A’s innings and followed it up with a simple celebration. The right-hander acknowledged the appreciation from the India A dugout and the crowd before taking out his helmet and kissing the Indian flag. The 33-year-old ended the debate surrounding the no.3 spot in India’s batting line-up with his splendid double ton.
Dhruv Jurel shines
Nair was well supported by wicket-keeper Dhruv Jurel on Day 2. Jurel played an impressive knock of 94 runs off 120 balls, missing out on a well-deserved century by a whisker. Nair and Jurel started well in the morning session on Day 2 and went on to share a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket to help India set up a huge total against England Lions.
After Jurel’s departure, all-rounder Nitish Reddy was dismissed cheaply on just 7 by Jack, but Shardul Thakur (27) and spinner Harsh Dubey (32) played fine cameos to take India to 533/8 at the end of Day 2 in Canterbury.
Karun Nair ends debate for no.3 slot
There was a lot of debate surrounding India’s contenders to bat at no.3 following the retirement of Virat Kohli earlier this month. While many touted Nair to fill Kohli’s shoes, utilising his experience and good form, others believed Sai Sudharsan could also be a good fit in the role. However, Nair seemed to have ended the debate with his performance against the England Lions.
Nair was selected in India’s squad for the England Test series following his stellar run for Vidarbha in the domestic circuit. The senior batter scored 863 runs in 9 matches (16 innings) at an average of 53.93 in the Ranji Trophy and finished as the highest run-getter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with an impressive 752 runs in 7 innings at a staggering average of 389.50, including a record 5 centuries.
Karun Nair continued his impressive run as he notched up a double century for India A in the practice match against England Lions ahead of the upcoming Test series between India and England. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
