Karun Nair made his comeback worth it as he smashed a majestic 204*(281) runs, leading his team's resurgence after the visitors lost both their openers early on Day 1.
The India A vs England Lions match began with the visitors opting to bat first. Abhimanyu Easwaran opened the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, but the first-wicket partnership didn’t meet expectations. Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was the first wicket to fall for 8(24) to Josh Hull.
Karun Nair was the next batter to join Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease. Both added 50 runs for India A by the end of the 16th over before Jaiswal was dismissed for 24(55). He got a start but failed to convert once again, walking back to the pavilion. This brought Sarfaraz Khan to join Karun Nair in the center.
Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan Steady India A with Key Partnership
The partnership between Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Ahmed changed the momentum of the day’s play as England Lions bowlers struggled to break this stand. Karun Nair scored his half-century with a four, and Sarfaraz Khan joined the party by bringing up his fifty as well. Both made a 181-run partnership for the 3rd wicket before Josh Hull broke the partnership by dismissing Sarfaraz Khan, who missed his well-deserved century, going back to the pavilion for 92(119).
Dhruv Jurel joined Karun Nair, and another partnership began to trouble England bowlers. Meanwhile, Karun Nair reached his century, a well-made ton as he was in full control of his shots. The batter raised his bat as he scored an amazing century on his comeback. India finished the second session at 243/3 in 60 overs.
The third and final session of the day began with Dhruv Jurel accelerating and becoming aggressive at the crease, with Karun Nair playing with the same intent. Both batters played out the entire session without losing their rhythm, with Dhruv Jurel reaching his 50 and Karun Nair bringing up his 150 in style. They added another 166 runs in the last session of Day 1 to finish the day at 409/3, with Karun Nair 186* and Dhruv Jurel 82*, as India A completed a dominant Day 1.
Day 2 began with the wicket of Dhruv Jurel, who was dismissed by Ajeet Dale, ending the 195-run partnership to start Day 2 on a high note for England Lions. Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel missed his well-deserved ton, dismissed for 94(120).
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Karun Nair Marks His Comeback with a Stunning Double Century
Karun Nair, however, kept going and brought up his double hundred in style with a boundary. It was a blend of hard work and smart play a knock that truly maximized his opportunity, especially in challenging away conditions. Then the tail enders added another quick 81 runs as India A got all out for 557 runs in 125 overs. Stay tuned for more updates."
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