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India A laid down a powerful marker on the opening day of their first unofficial Test against England Lions, finishing with an imposing 409/3 at stumps. The day was dominated by a classy unbeaten century from Karun Nair, who remained not out on 186, and solid contributions from Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, both of whom bolstered India A’s strong position with aggressive yet composed batting.
As the spotlight remains on upcoming Test selections, Nair’s performance was timely and emphatic. Backed by equally impressive support from Sarfaraz (92) and Jurel (82*), India A kept the English bowlers under constant pressure throughout the day.
England Lions had a brief moment of celebration early in the morning session when skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran fell for just 8. However, that early strike did little to dent India A’s momentum. Nair, stepping in at No. 3, looked in complete control from the outset. His confidence was reflected in his shot selection, finding gaps regularly and punishing anything overpitched.
Yashasvi Jaiswal added a quick-fire 24 before being dismissed, but it was the partnership that followed which truly turned the day in India A’s favour.
Karun Nair – 186* (246).
Sarfaraz – 92 (119).
Jurel – 82* (104).INDIA A POST 409/3 ON DAY 1 OF THE WARM UP MATCH. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/3u9VL6ZAJf
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2025
Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan dominate Day 1 proceedings
Sarfaraz joined Nair at the crease and wasted no time settling in. The duo stitched together a commanding 181-run partnership that not only rebuilt the innings but swung the momentum heavily in India A’s favour. Sarfaraz, despite being overlooked for the senior national side, played with a point to prove—rotating strike well and attacking when opportunities arose.
His dismissal for 92, agonizingly short of a century, broke the stand, but the setback was only momentary for the hosts. If England Lions hoped to trigger a collapse after Sarfaraz’s wicket, Nair and Jurel had other ideas. The pair batted with remarkable fluency and maturity, constructing an unbroken 177-run stand. Jurel, fresh off IPL duty, appeared unfazed by the red-ball challenge and quickly got into his groove.
The Lions bowlers were left hunting for answers as the runs continued to flow with ease. Neither the new ball nor spin made any significant dent in India A’s scoring rhythm.
Nice way to get his half-century. well played Sarfaraz Khan.
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) May 30, 2025
Also READ: Karun Nair reacts after being named in India’s Test squad for the England tour
Nair strengthens his case for a place in India’s playing XI for the first Test
Nair’s commanding knock on Day 1 was a timely reminder of his class and composure, especially with the England Test series around the corner. Already part of India’s senior squad for the tour, Nair’s unbeaten 186 has strengthened his case for a place in the playing XI for the first Test starting June 20. With every assured stroke, he showed why he deserves to be more than just a squad member. His presence in the middle order could add both depth and stability, giving India a significant edge as they prepare to face England in challenging conditions.
And Karun Nair gets a 100 batting at no.3. 🤝🤝🤝
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 30, 2025
