Karun Nair (186*) along with Sarfaraz Khan (92) and Dhruv Jurel (82*) created history, India A scored 409 runs on the first day

Karun Nair closed in on a double ton to put India A in command – This scene was the most memorable moment of the first day of the first unofficial Test against England Lions. Karun Nair’s explosive innings of 186* runs took India A to a strong score of 409/3, while he is just 14 runs away from a double century. This innings has become the biggest claim for Nair to get a place in Team India’s middle order for the England Test series starting in June.
Hero of the first day: Karun Nair’s brilliant show
- Played responsibility under initial pressure: Nair took the crease after captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (8) was dismissed in the sixth over.
- Pattern of the innings: 24 fours and 1 six in 186* runs, strike rate 75.61 – Scored runs in the traditional way of Test cricket.
- Target: To complete a double century – If this happens, it will be a historic achievement for India A.
Karun Nair closed in on a double ton to put India A in command, proving that even after the high-pressure cricket of IPL, he can play with patience in the red-ball format.
Record-breaking partnerships: Sarfaraz-Jural’s contribution
- Nair-Sarfaraz pair: In the 181-run partnership, Sarfaraz Khan played a blistering innings of 92 runs (strike rate 77.31). Both of them shattered the bowlers of England Lions.
- Nair-Dhruv Jurel’s unbreakable relationship: After Sarfaraz was out, Nair added an unbeaten 177 runs with Dhruv Jurel (82*). Jural scored runs with the help of 9 fours and 1 six at a strike rate of 78.85.
150 up for Karun Nair against England Lions! 🙌
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2025
Live updates: https://t.co/ejmI0Y4Yc6 pic.twitter.com/NRRxbEk1WW
Message for Team India: Claim of Nair’s return
- Middle order crisis: After Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, Team India is looking for an experienced batsman. – Nair’s advantage: This player, who scored 303* against England in 2016, is consistently scoring runs in domestic cricket.
- Sarfaraz’s disappointment: Not getting a place in the senior team despite 92 runs is a matter of concern.
England Lions bowlers struggle
- Morning session: Edward Jack and Josh Hull took early wickets.
- Afternoon flop: Rehan Ahmed (0/95) and Zaman Akhtar (0/70) were ineffective.
- Wicket drought: Only 1 wicket in 34 overs – all plans failed in front of Nair-Jural.
Fans’ reaction: “Karun Nair Closed in on a Double Ton to Put India A in Command”
On social media, cricket lovers praised Nair’s performance. A user wrote, “The Nair of 2016 is back! He should get a chance in the England Test.” At the same time, some demanded justice for Sarfaraz.
Further strategy: India A’s target
- Score of 400+: Nair’s century and Jurel’s half-century can help the team score a big total.
- Focus on bowling: Mukesh Kumar and Harshit Rana will have to test the English batsmen.
- Pressure of captaincy: Abhimanyu Easwaran will have to perform better in the second innings.
Conclusion: Karun Nair Closed in on a Double Ton to Put India A in Command – Sign of return to Test cricket
This innings of Karun Nair closed in on a double ton to put India A in command is not only the announcement of his return, but also a pleasant sign for Team India. As Nair is getting closer to the double century, his claim for the England tour is getting stronger. Cricket lovers are now waiting for the second day, when this warrior can create new history!
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