India a further tightened their hold on the first unofficial Test against England Lionsriding on Karun nair’s sublime double century and a strong supporting act from wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv jurel on Day 2 at Canterbury. After resuming on an already commanding overnight score, the visitors continued to pile on the runs and eventually reached 474/5 by the end of 103 overs. The fans, both in the stadium and online, celebrated Nair’s return to peak form—one that could have a major bearing on India’s plans for the upcoming Test series against England.

Karun Nair hits a splendid double ton

Nair, who began Day 2 on 186*, showed no signs of slowing down as he marched confidently toward his double century. With a calm temperament and silky strokeplay, Nair brought up his fourth double hundred in First-Class cricket—a reminder of the pedigree that once saw him notch a triple century in a Test match for India. His unbeaten 200+ knock came with a mix of resilience and aggression, punctuated by boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking and the England Lions bowlers under constant pressure. This innings also became his best for India A, eclipsing his previous 114* against South Africa A back in 2015.

While Nair held one end with poise, Jurel provided the perfect foil with a brisk and composed 94. The young wicketkeeper looked set for a hundred but fell just short, missing the milestone by six runs. Nevertheless, his knock added vital momentum to the innings and showcased his maturity as a batter. Their partnership not only frustrated the Lions bowlers but also further cemented India A’s dominance in the contest. Jurel’s growing consistency in red-ball cricket will surely please the selectors, especially with longer-format fixtures on the horizon.

Double hundred puts Nair in contention for playing XI

With the senior Indian team set to face England in the five-match Test series beginning June 20, Nair’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Already named in the squad, this innings acts as a strong audition for a middle-order role in the playing XI. Given his past Test experience and current red-hot form, Nair could well be the stabilising presence India require in challenging English conditions. His double century in this unofficial Test may have just nudged the selectors and team management into serious consideration.

Here’s how fans reacted: