IND vs ENG 5th Test: First in 3,148 days! Karun Nair slams gritty fifty to lead India at The Oval | Cricket News

Karun Nair made probably the most of his alternative in the fifth and ultimate Test at The Oval, scoring an important half-century beneath stress to hold India afloat after a shaky begin. Returning to the enjoying XI after being dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester, Nair confirmed grit and calm in difficult circumstances. India had been in hassle at 83/3 when Nair walked in, and the group wanted somebody to regular the innings. The 33-year-old did simply that, reaching his fifty in 89 balls with a clip off the pads for 2 runs off Jacob Bethell. It was a quiet celebration, with a elevate of the bat in direction of the dressing room, acknowledging an necessary knock not only for the match, however for his personal profession. This was Nair’s second-highest Test rating, solely behind his iconic unbeaten 303 in opposition to England in Chennai again in 2016. That triple century had set excessive expectations, however this newest knock was his first Test fifty in practically 9 years. To be actual, it was his first fifty in 3,148 days to put issues into context. This in itself is a milestone that will revive his red-ball journey.

At stumps on Day 1, Nair stood at 52 unbeaten and was a part of a 51-run partnership with Washington Sundar, taking India to 204/6. With the sequence on the road and India trailing 2-1, Nair’s effort was a well timed reminder of his potential and perseverance. In a heartwarming second, England’s Joe Root was seen patting the India batter on his again, appreciating his efforts.

With the painful wicket of captain Shubman Gill from a run out to each Sai Sudharsan and Raivndra Jadeja dismissed by two unplayable Josh Tongue balls, India had been in hassle. The guests have Karun Nair and Washington Sundar to thank for crossing the 200-run mark at the tip of day’s play.