ENG vs IND: Karun Nair ends 8-Year wait for fifty, breathes life into career revival
India batter Karun Nair ended his eight-year-long wait for a half-century on Day 1 of the fifth Test against England at the Oval. Being given a chance in the playing XI despite his failures in the first three Tests, Nair rose to the occasion as he led India’s fightback under overcast conditions on a green wicket.
He scored a brilliant unbeaten 52* (98), laced with seven fours and stitched crucial partnerships with Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar, Courtesy of his gritty innings, India finished the day on 204/6 after being asked to bat first under unfavourable conditions by England.
England vs India 5th Test Day 1 Updates
Coming into the fifth Test, Nair hadn’t done much to warrant a place in the playing XI. He had scored just 131 runs in the six innings at an average of 21.83 and a best score of 40. The 33-year-old had registered scores of 30 and 41 in the first innings at Edgbaston and Lord’s, respectively, but failed to convert it into big innings.
However, the management once again showed their faith in him, adding him to the playing XI in place of Shardul Thakur. Nair repaid the trust with a gutsy half-century, which would have done his confidence a world of good at a crucial juncture in his career.
It was just the second half century of Nair’s career, coming 11 innings after his famous triple hundred against England in Chennai 2016.
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