England Lions vs India A 2025, 1st unofficial Test, Day 2: Karun Nair smashes double century, Tom Haines leads England fightback with century

England Lions posted 237/2 at the end of Day 2 against India A in the first unofficial Test at the St. Lawrence Ground in Canterbury. 

India A continued to dominate with the bat from a position of strength. Dhruv Jurel, who looked set for a century, fell early in the day for 94. His crucial 195-run partnership with Karun Nair provided a solid foundation for India A.

Karun Nair continued his excellent form, reaching a double century within the first hour of play. He eventually departed after scoring a brilliant 204 while falling to Zaman Akhter. The lower-order chipped in with handy contributions, where Shardul Thakur (27), Harsh Dubey (32), and Anshul Kamboj (23) helped India A breach the 500-run mark. They were bowled out shortly after the lunch break for 557.

Among the England Lions bowlers, Zaman Akhter and Josh Hull picked up three wickets each.

Karun Nair slams gritty double hundred to mark strong return

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Karun Nair slams gritty double hundred to mark strong return

In reply, the England Lions began their first innings with openers Tom Haines and Ben McKinney. Kamboj provided an early breakthrough by dismantling the stumps of McKinney for 16. Haines then put together a steady 109-run partnership with Emilio Gay, who was eventually dismissed by Harsh Dubey for 46.

Haines remained unbeaten on 103 at Stumps having brought up a well-constructed century towards the close of play. He was joined by Max Holden who reached 64* by the end of the day. They have both put together an unbeaten 106-run third-wicket partnership for England Lions.

For India A, Kamboj (9-2-24-1) and Dubey (14-2-58-1) ended their spell for the day, scalping one wicket each. Shardul Thakur also bowled a spell of 10 overs and gave 37 runs without picking any wickets on Day 2.