Returning to the Indian team, Karun Nair struck a fine half-century, but incisive bowling from Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue put England in a b position on the rain-affected first day of the fifth and final Test.
IND vs ENG 5th Test Highlights Day 1: On the first day of the fifth and final Test match of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England, Indian batsman Karun Nair made a brilliant comeback, scoring a half-century in international Test cricket after eight years. In a rain-disrupted first day, India scored 204 runs for the loss of six wickets. Karun Nair (52 not out, 98 balls, 7 fours) and Washington Sundar (19 not out) shared an unbroken 51-run partnership for the seventh wicket and tried to rescue the team from a difficult situation.
Half-Century Ends Eight-Year Drought
This innings was very special for Karun Nair as it was the first time since December 2016 that he scored more than 50 runs in an innings. In 2016, he played a historic innings of 303* against England, which is the highest score of his career so far. After that, he remained out of the Test team and now after eight years, he has proved his worth again.
The first day's play was repeatedly affected by rain, and only 64 overs of play were possible. England's fast bowlers Gus Atkinson (2 wickets, 31 runs) and Josh Tongue (2 wickets, 47 runs) kept the Indian batsmen under constant pressure. In bowling-friendly conditions, India lost wickets at regular intervals, and only Karun Nair looked like a batsman who stood firm against the English bowlers.
Weak Start for India, Unstable Middle Order
The Indian team was under pressure from the start of the match. After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Team India lost their openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (02) and KL Rahul (14) cheaply in the morning session. Shubman Gill (21) looked in good touch but got run out in an attempt to take an unnecessary run. Sai Sudarshan (38) also looked in good rhythm but was caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off a brilliant outswinging delivery from Tongue.
Ravindra Jadeja (09) also returned to the pavilion quickly, caught by Smith off Tongue, giving India their fifth blow. Dhruv Jurel (19) played some good shots but was caught by Harry Brook at second slip off Atkinson's ball.
Karun and Sundar Showed Restraint and Courage
When India's score was 153 for six wickets, it seemed that the team would be bundled out for under 200. But Karun Nair and Washington Sundar took charge against the English bowlers, batting with patience and understanding. Nair completed his half-century in 89 balls and Sundar supported him well.
Nair completed his half-century by taking two runs off Jacob Bethel's ball and took the team past 200. This partnership came at a time when the team needed it most.
