England Lions vs India A 2025: Karun Nair slams gritty double hundred to mark strong return

India A are currently facing the England Lions in a four-day match at the St. Lawrence Ground, Canterbury. The standout performer in the affair was from the top-order batter Karun Nair, who scored a steady and impressive double-century on the English soil. Nair, who was also included in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley.

The England Lions had won the toss and opted to bowl first, and India A’s openers failed to give a solid start. However, Nair steadied the innings after joining hands with Sarfaraz Khan. The duo built a crucial 181-run partnership, with Sarfaraz narrowly missing out on a century while getting dismissed for 92.

After his dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel walked in and added another significant 195-run partnership alongside Nair. Jurel played a knock of 94 before falling to Ajeet Singh Dale on the morning of Day 2.

Star Sports@StarSportsIndia

Not everyone gets a second chance! But when you do make it count, like #KarunNair! 👊🏻 The Indian batter roared back in style with an unbeaten 186 against ENG A which helped IND A finish at 409/3 at the end of Day 1! 🔥 Watch Day 2 of Unofficial Test 👉🏻 #ENGAvINDA | SAT, 31st

04:17 PM · May 31, 2025

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Karun Nair remained unbeaten on 186 at the end of Day 1 and brought up his double-century in the 11th over on Day 2. In the end, Nair fell to Zaman Akhter by scoring 204 off 281 deliveries, which included 26 fours and one six. His innings had several beautiful strokes and solid defences against the English bowling attack, necessary to survive in critical batting conditions on a green top wicket. Josh Hull and Edward Jack have picked up two wickets each so far for England Lions.

Nair, who was dropped from the Indian Test side after inconsistent performances and has worked his way back through consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy. This double-hundred is a major booster and comes at the perfect time ahead of the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, where India would be aiming for glory with a fresh squad, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.