There is something really satisfying about seeing someone get another chance, and that is exactly what Karun Nair’s century for India A against the England Lions felt like. It was a well-deserved moment for a cricketer who has waited far too long.
During Day 1 of the match at St. Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, Karun walked in early after Abhimanyu Easwaran fell cheaply. The conditions were decent for batting, but facing the red Dukes ball in England is never easy at all in the first place.
Nevertheless, Karun looked solid at the crease. The right-hander played with calmness and confidence and made his presence count at the crease. He reached his hundred in 155 balls in the post-tea session by calmly clipping Rehan Ahmed for two runs.
Karun Nair’s Century Headlines India A’s Dominant Day in Canterbury
The right-hander took off his helmet, raised his bat, and got the applause. From the dugout, players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan gave him a standing ovation, and that moment said everything.
It was also worth mentioning here that it was his 24th first-class hundred and his second big red-ball score in a row; the first came in the Ranji Trophy final earlier this year, where he helped Vidarbha win with a match-winning century. That knock was crucial, and this one in England just confirmed that Karun is in top form.
Let’s not forget that Karun Nair is one of only two Indians to score a triple century in Test cricket. After that high in 2016, he was dropped in 2018 and didn’t get another look-in. For seven years, he worked really hard, and all his hard work bore fruit eventually as he was named in India’s Test squad for the England tour.
Also read: Rishabh Pant pulls off a Somersault celebration after hammering a quickfire century against RCB
At the end of Day 1, India A posted 409/3 in 90 overs. Karun Nair was the pick of the batters as he remained unbeaten on 186, including 24 fours and a six, whereas Dhruv Jurel remained not out on 82 (9 fours, 1 six). Sarfaraz Khan narrowly missed out on scoring a century by 8 runs. He scored 92, including 8 fours.
This hundred couldn’t have come at a better time. The five-match Test series is expected to kick off on June 20. Karun Nair’s century became the talking point now. He is expected to do well in the upcoming tour of England. The 33-year-old scored 374 runs in six Tests at an average of 62.3, including one century and one triple century to his name.
