Karun Nair smashes 204 runs against England Lions on Day 2 of first Test

India`s Karun Nair smashed a double century on Day 2 of the Test match against England Lions in Canterbury. 

Drawing curtains on opening day with a score of 186 runs, the right-hander kept looking to score runs in the gaps, making the England Lions struggle to claim wickets.

Facing 281 deliveries, Karun Nair registered a score of 204 runs, which was laced with 26 boundaries and a maximum. He had to wait till the final ball of the 101st over to reach the celebrated three figures.

He completed his double century by smashing a four and then celebrated the achievement by kissing his helmet.

“Dear cricket, give me one more chance” was what Nair wished in December 2022. Since then, he has latched onto every opportunity to make a strong case for earning a spot in India`s XI for the five high-stakes Tests against England, scheduled to kick off on June 20.

Later, Sarafarz Khan and Dhruv Jurel registered the scores of 92 and 94 runs, respectively. Khan`s 92 runs came in 119 balls, in which he smashed 13 boundaries. On the other hand, Jurel faced 120 balls and smashed 11 boundaries and a maximum.

Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to score 24 runs in 55 balls, including three boundaries and a maximum. India `A` skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran was not able to score many runs as he was dismissed for just eight runs after facing 17 balls. Before returning to the pavilion, Easwaran smashed two boundaries.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy scored seven runs in 22 balls. Shardul Thakur and Harsh Dubey accumulated 27 and 32 runs, respectively. Thakur and Dubey registered four boundaries each to their names. Anshul Kamboj scored 23 off 37, whereas Harshit Rana departed on the score of 16 runs. Kamboj`s knock saw him smash two boundaries and a maximum. Pacer Rana showcased two big hits before departing. Mukesh Kumar stayed unbeaten after facing three balls and without scoring any runs.

India `A` wrapped up their first innings with a score of 557 runs in 125. 1 overs.

England Lions` opening duo Tom Haines and Ben McKinney have stepped out to bat. The hosts are trailing by 552 runs on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test in Canterbury.

This article first appeared on Mid Day