The England Lions have mounted a strong response after India A posted a formidable total of 557 on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test in Canterbury. At stumps, the Lions were 237 for 2, trailing by 320 runs, with opener Tom Haines unbeaten on 103 and Max Holden on a fluent 64.
Earlier in the day, Karun Nair struck a brilliant double century, scoring 204 off 281 balls, including 26 fours and one six. His innings was a timely reminder of his talent and potential, especially with the Indian team management currently weighing up their options for the upcoming Test series against England. Along with Nair, Dhruv Jurel (94) and Sarfaraz Khan (92) also played crucial knocks, narrowly missing out on centuries.
India A resumed from their overnight score of 409 for 3, looking to capitalize on the excellent batting conditions. Nair, who was unbeaten on 186 overnight, reached his double century in the 101st over, pulling a short ball to fine leg for a boundary. However, he was soon dismissed by Zaman Akhter, edging a delivery to the keeper. Jurel also missed out on a century, falling for 94 after a 195-run partnership with Nair. Nitish Reddy's struggles continued as he was caught behind for 7, while Shardul Thakur contributed a quickfire 27. The England Lions bowlers then wrapped up the India A innings, with Josh Hull and Zaman Akhter taking three wickets each.
In response, the England Lions lost opener Ben McKinney early, bowled by Anshul Kamboj for 16. However, Emilio Gay and Tom Haines then steadied the ship, adding 109 runs for the second wicket before Gay fell for 46, caught off the bowling of Harsh Dubey. Haines, however, remained solid and reached his century, anchoring the innings with a 147-ball knock that included 11 boundaries. He then found an able partner in Max Holden, who scored a quickfire 64 off 61 balls, including eight fours and one six. Their unbroken third-wicket partnership of 106 runs put the England Lions in a strong position at the end of the day.
Karun Nair's double century was the highlight of the day for India A. Nair, who last played for India eight years ago, has made a strong statement with his performance. He looked comfortable at the number 3 spot, and his innings was a mix of exquisite strokes and solid defense. His ability to survive the early pressure from the England Lions seamers was particularly impressive.
Overall, it was a day of contrasting fortunes for both teams. India A dominated the first half of the day, thanks to Karun Nair's double century, while the England Lions fought back strongly in the second half, led by Tom Haines' century. The match is now evenly poised, and the next two days promise to be exciting.
