New Delhi: Sussex opener Tom Haines slammed an unbeaten ton to lead England Lions’ spirited response after a magnificent double hundred from Karun Nair helped India A post 557 runs on the board in the first innings of the unofficial Test match between the two sides at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury. Haines scored an unbeaten 103 while Max Holden remained not out on 64 to guide England Lions to 237/2 at stumps on Day 2.
Left-hander Haines looked composed throughout his stay in the middle as he made the India A bowlers toil hard for his wicket. Pacer Anshul Kamboj struck early to dismiss Haines’ opening partner Ben McKinnery cheaply on 16 in the 6th of England Lions’ innings, handing India A their first breakthrough in the practice match. But Haines remained unfazed on the other end.
The left-hander combined with Emilio Gay (46) to share a 109-run stand for the second wicket, helping England Lions recover well. Left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey broke the partnership in the 33rd over as Gay was caught on 46 off 90 by Sarfaraz Khan. Haines then joined hands with Max Holden to take England Lions to 237/2 at stumps, trailing India A by 320 runs.
Haines notched up his 15th first-class century, reaching the three-figure mark in 138 balls. His patient knock of unbeaten 103 was laced with 11 boundaries as he helped the hosts stage a brilliant response after Nair’s double ton powered India past the 500-run mark. India A skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran used as many as six bowlers during the first innings, but barring Kamboj, who swung the ball both ways, none of the bowlers managed to impress.
Karun Nair slams double ton, Dhruv Jurel shows promise
Earlier, Karun Nair and Dhruv Jurel resumed India’s first innings on Day 2 and played fabulous knocks to help the visitors post a strong total of 557 runs on the board. While Nair went on to notch up a double hundred, finishing with 204 off 281 deliveries with the help of 26 fours and a solitary six, Jurel showcased a lot of promise en route to his brilliant knock of 94 runs.
With his double hundred, Nair effectively ended the debate surrounding the no.3 spot in the Indian team ahead of the five-match Test series against England as he continued his purple patch. The 33-year-old, who will be making his Test return after 8 years for India in England, showcased why domestic toil should be rewarded more often.
Meanwhile, Jurel adapted to the English conditions well and showcased fluidity in his strokes. Nair and Jurel added 195 runs for the fourth wicket to set the stage for a big total for India A. Nitish Reddy couldn’t join the party as he was dismissed cheaply on 7, but cameos from Shardul Thakur (27), Hardh Dubey (27) and Anshul Kamboj (23) helped India get to 557/8 in 125.1 overs.
This is the first of the two practice matches that India A will be playing against England Lions before the start of the Test series between India and England from June 20. The likes of Nair, Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, captain Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shardul Thakur, who are featuring for India A in the ongoing first unofficial Test, are part of India’s main squad for the five-match series.
After Karun Nair’s double hundred powered India A to a big total of 557 runs in their first innings, Tom Haines slammed a ton to lead England Lions’ reply. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
