IND vs ENG 1st Test: Karun Nair returns to India’s Test XI after 2,763 days; England win toss and opt to bowl at Headingley | Cricket News – Times of India

England gained the toss and elected to bowl within the first Test towards England at Headingley on Friday. The Shubman Gill-led facet has named a youthful taking part in XI, with Karun Nair making a return to the Indian Test group after greater than seven years. His final look got here in March 2017. India’s taking part in XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Nair’s inclusion marks the completion of a protracted, quiet comeback. He was half of the 2018 England tour however didn’t get a recreation. Nearly eight years later, he lastly walks out to play a Test in English circumstances. In a video shared by BCCI earlier than the match, Nair spoke about what stored him going all these years.

“My first thought every day was, I want to play Test cricket for India again. That belief kept me going. It was the driving force to go to training, to practice every day.” He mentioned the second he entered the dressing room once more made it really feel actual. “When I saw everyone for the first time, that’s when it hit me — I’m back.”Quiz: Who’s that IPL participant? Reflecting on his psychological progress, Nair mentioned, “I’ve become more patient and forgiving of myself. I’ve learned to enjoy the small things and not try to be someone I’m not.” There’s additionally a way of consolation within the dressing room this time. “Playing alongside KL and Prasidh, people I’ve grown up with, makes this return feel more special.” India are beginning a brand new cycle of the World Test Championship with out Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin. The group is youthful, the management is new, and the stage is about for gamers like Nair to seize their second probability. “Hi, this is Karun Nair, and I’m ready to go,” he signed off within the video. After 2,763 days, his second has lastly arrived.