The opening day of the unofficial Test between India A and England Lions in Canterbury belonged firmly to the visitors, with India A reaching a formidable 409/3 at stumps. The day was highlighted by a masterful, unbeaten 186 from Karun Nair, supported by an assertive 92 from Sarfaraz Khan and a rollicking, unbeaten 82 from wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel.

England Lions won the toss and elected to field, a decision they may have quickly come to regret as the day progressed. India A's openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal (24) and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran (8), couldn't capitalize, falling with the score at 51. Josh Hull accounted for both openers, providing the Lions with some early cheer.

However, the dismissal of Easwaran brought Karun Nair to the crease, and the complexion of the game dramatically shifted. Nair, returning to the India A side, showcased elegance and determination, building a substantial partnership with Sarfaraz Khan. The duo dominated the second session, adding 181 runs together. Nair, known for his prolific domestic record, was particularly strong square of the wicket, dispatching loose deliveries with ease. He reached his century off 155 balls, hitting Rehan Ahmed through the covers for two.

Sarfaraz Khan, who missed out on selection for the Test squad against England, looked determined to prove a point. Mixing aggression and finesse, he raced to 92 before falling to Hull, caught behind. His innings included audacious shots and confident strokeplay, leaving the England Lions bowlers searching for answers.

Following Sarfaraz's dismissal, Dhruv Jurel joined Nair, and the two continued to pile on the runs, forming an unbroken 177-run partnership. Jurel, displaying his ability to attack, struck a brisk 82 off 104 balls, including a six. He reached his half-century in 68 deliveries, dispatching a full toss from Mousley through the covers.

Karun Nair's innings was a masterclass in pacing and shot selection. He was particularly severe on Rehan Ahmed, the England Test leg-spinner, who conceded 95 runs in his 16 overs. Nair's innings, laced with 24 boundaries and a six, has put him in a strong position to be considered for the upcoming Test series against England.

The England Lions bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with only Josh Hull managing to pick up two wickets. The other bowlers, including Rehan Ahmed, Zaman Akhter, and Edward Jack, proved expensive and largely ineffective. The Lions leaked 51 boundaries and three sixes across the 90 overs.

As the day drew to a close, Nair and Jurel saw off the closing spell, ensuring India A ended the day in a dominant position. India A will look to build on this strong start on Day 2, with Nair eyeing a double century and Jurel aiming to reach his own hundred. The England Lions, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to stem the flow of runs if they are to get back into the match.