Returning India batter strengthens case for England Tests
Making an appearance for India A against England Lions, Karun Nair plundered a dominating 186* on the opening day against England Lions.
Days after being called up to India’s Test squad for the first time in seven years, Karun Nair delivered a statement knock in the lead-up to India’s five-Test series against England.
The 33-year-old manufactured a sizzling ton for India A in the four-day unofficial Test against England Lions in Canterbury.
Coming in to bat at number three, Nair stitched an impressive 186 off 246 deliveries - an innings that featured some dazzling stroke play including 24 boundaries and a maximum. The knock powered India A to a dominant Day 1 score of 409/3, with Nair still unbeaten at the crease.
Having made his Test debut for India back in 2016, Nair made instant impression with a triple century in only his third Test against England. However, the middle-order batter wasn't able to cement his place in the red-ball lineup after six appearances in the format.
Nair arrives in England on the back of noteworthy displays in India’s domestic cricket season and the Indian Premier League. He also boasts vital county experience in English conditions, having played for Northamptonshire in 2023 and 2024, amassing 736 runs in 10 matches at an average of 52.57, which also included a splendid double hundred.
Accompanying him in the middle towards the end of the day’s play in Canterbury was Dhruv Jurel. The wicketkeeper-batter offered India another positive with a delightfully compiled 82* off 104 deliveries.
The 24-year-old, who has been part of India's red-ball setup over the past year, was also named among the 18-member squad for the England Tests.
Also featuring from the Test squad in the India A lineup is the all-round duo of Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur.
India will lock horns with England in the first Test in Headingley starting 20 June. The series will mark the beginning of the next ICC World Test Championship cycle.