The first day of fifth Test between England and IND and England at the Kennington Oval
was largely affected by rain . Only 64 overs were blowed and the conditions constantly interrupted the rhythm of the both teams . Despite the frequent delays England’ s decision to bowl first under the grey skies paid off as reduced India to 153/ 6 . However Karun Nair’s fighting knock brought much needed balance to visitors
Karun Nair Returns with Grit and Grace:
Karun Nair walked in under pressure with India struggling after a series of soft dismissals and a shocking run out of Captain Shubman Gill . Nair hasn’t played a significant test innings since his unbeaten 303 against England in 2016 . The Expectations were low but the rose to the challenge with Composure .
He began cautiously , playing close to the body and showing excellent judgement outside off stump . His first few runs came slowly but he gradually built his innings with smart singles and the occasional boundary . When he reached 52* , It marked his first half century is nearly nine years a symbolic return for a player many had written off
Key moments : The fifty That lifted India ‘ s spirts
Nair’s half century came with a neatly timed fick for two off Jacob Bethell . It was a personal milestone but a moment of collective relief for the Indian team . At 201/6, India crossed the 200 run mark and for the first time all day England’s Blowers looked slightly frustrated . This Knock was full of quiet intensity . His four off Josh Tongue, a full toss punished through covers, showed that he wasn’t just surviving but also ready to counter attack when needed . More importantly he don’t lose focus after reaching his fifty a common trap for many returning batters
Steady partnership with Sundar:
Washington Sundar provided excellent support with clam 19* off 45 balls . The duo added an unbeaten 51 runs off 88 balls which was India’s highest partnership of the day . They respected the conditions , played late and avoided risky shots . Their stand ensured that India didn’t suffer another collapse before stumps . With the pitch expected to ease out on Day 2 and Chris woakes possibly out injured this partnership could turn into a game Defending one .
Nair’s Mental strength shines:
What stood out in Nair’s innings was his ability to control nerves and ignore external noise . Being recalled after years with a triple century as the big score in his test career comes with pressure . But Nair was unbothered . His technique looked compact and his temperament belonged to a seasoned campaigner.
What lies ahead:
At stumps India are 204/6 with Nair on 52* and Sundar on 19* . The immediate goal for the Indian camp will be to stretch this partnership past 100 and get closer to 300 . If the sun stays out and the pitch conditions ease , this must be the beginning of a strong India comeback in this decider of the Anderson Tendulkar trophy . Karun Nair’s return might just turn into a redemption arc and for India It’s the hope they needed after rain marred tension filled Day 1.
Baishali Karmakar 
Tanya Singh