Canterbury, May 31: Karun Nair struck a masterful double hundred to steer India A to an imposing total of 557 in their first innings on Day 2 of the four-day unofficial Test against England Lions at Canterbury on Saturday. In reply, the Lions reached 75 for one at tea, trailing by 482 runs.
Resuming from an overnight score of 409 for three, India A consolidated their dominance with Nair leading the charge. The seasoned batter, who began the day on 186, reached his double century with a stylish cover drive off pacer Eddie Jack, eventually falling for 204 off 281 balls—a knock studded with 26 boundaries and a six.Nair formed a crucial 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who narrowly missed out on a hundred, falling for 94. Nitish Kumar Reddy (7) was dismissed soon after, triggering a brief collapse. Nair himself was undone by a sharp in-swinger from Zaman Akhter, nicking it to wicketkeeper James Rew.
Despite the lower order failing to fire, with Shardul Thakur (27) being the only one to provide some resistance, India A still managed to breach the 550-run mark. Lions bowlers had a decent outing in the morning session, picking up four wickets, with Josh Hull (3/72), Zaman Akhter (3/73), and Eddie Jack (2/75) being the key wicket-takers.
In response, England Lions made a cautious start but suffered an early setback when opener Ben McKinney was bowled for 16 by Anshul Kamboj. However, the pair of Emilio Gay (28*) and Tom Haines (25*) steadied the innings and took the team to 75/1 at tea, safely negotiating 18 overs.With a massive first-innings total behind them and early inroads already made, India A will now look to build pressure on the Lions and push for a decisive advantage as the match progresses.
With Karun Nair’s majestic double ton setting the tone and India A’s bowlers already making early inroads, the visitors have firmly seized control of the contest. As the Lions face a daunting task of chasing down a massive first-innings total, the pressure will now be on their batters to respond with resilience and purpose. With three days of play still remaining, India A will aim to tighten their grip and push for a commanding victory.
Brief Scores: India A: 557 all out in 125.1 overs (Karun Nair 204, Dhruv Jurel 94, Sarfaraz Khan 92; Josh Hull 3/72, Zaman Akhter 3/73)
England Lions: 75/1 in 18 overs (Emilio Gay 28 batting, Tom Haines 25 batting). (PTI)
