Karun Nair made the most of his opportunity in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, scoring a vital half-century under pressure to keep India afloat after a shaky start. Returning to the playing XI after being dropped for the fourth Test in Manchester, Nair showed grit and calm in challenging conditions. India were in trouble at 83/3 when Nair walked in, and the team needed someone to steady the innings. The 33-year-old did just that, reaching his fifty in 89 balls with a clip off the pads for two runs off Jacob Bethell. It was a quiet celebration, with a raise of the bat towards the dressing room, acknowledging an important knock not just for the match, but for his own career. This was Nair’s second-highest Test score, only behind his iconic unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai back in 2016. That triple century had set high expectations, but this latest knock was his first Test fifty in nearly nine years. To be exact, it was his first fifty in 3,148 days to put things into context. This in itself is a milestone that may revive his red-ball journey.
At stumps on Day 1, Nair stood at 52 unbeaten and was part of a 51-run partnership with Washington Sundar, taking India to 204/6. With the series on the line and India trailing 2-1, Nair’s effort was a timely reminder of his potential and perseverance. In a heartwarming moment, England’s Joe Root was seen patting the India batter on his back, appreciating his efforts.
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With the painful wicket of captain Shubman Gill from a run out to both Sai Sudharsan and Raivndra Jadeja dismissed by two unplayable Josh Tongue balls, India were in trouble. The visitors have Karun Nair and Washington Sundar to thank for crossing the 200-run mark at the end of day’s play.