The first unofficial Test between England Lions and India A started in a strong way for India A, where Karun Nair is approaching the memorable double-century after completing his 24th first-class hundred. Also, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhurv Jurel shone with the bat. 

India A are set to play a two-match unofficial Test series against the hosts England Lions and another unofficial Test against the senior Indian team in the tour before the senior team begins their five-match Test series journey against the hosts England. 

In the first unofficial Test, England Lions chose to field first after winning the toss on Friday morning (May 30). While the India A opener and captain Abhimanyu Easwaran was dismissed for eight runs, his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal was out after scoring 24 runs. But then Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan provided a solid comeback for India A. 

Karun Nair set two 150+ partnerships; batting at 186 not out

After both Nair and Sarfaraz completed their fifties, both were looking to complete their respective centuries together. However, Sarfaraz was dismissed for 92 runs off 119 balls (13), where he also set up an 181-run partnership for the third wicket, but Nair completed his 24th first-class century in style in 155 balls. 

India A ended the opening day of the four-day unofficial Test on 409/3, where Nair was not out at 186 off 246 balls with 24 fours and one six, and Dhurv Jurel scored 82 not out off 104 balls with nine fours and one six. Nair and Jurel have already added 177 runs for the unbroken fourth wicket. 

Also Read: ENG Lions vs IND A Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

Can Karun Nair return in Test cricket?

After a great start in the England tour, Indian cricket fans can't stop praising Nair, as they now have a strong belief in Nair's Test cricket return after more than eight years. 

HUNDRED BY KARUN NAIR. 🇮🇳

- 24th First class hundred by Nair, he's making a statement with India A ahead of the England Test series. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/MOeQpfyYCC

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2025  

What a comeback by Karun nair

HUNDRED FOR KARUN NAIR...!!!!

- What a comeback, a grand return into the team & scored a terrific Hundred against England Lions pic.twitter.com/WEe2GwUPCa

— JassPreet (@JassPreet96) May 30, 2025

Karun Nair is on 🔥! 🇮🇳💯 24th first-class hundred and he's making a strong statement ahead of the England Test series! 🌟 His form with India A is a great sign for the Test team. Let's see how he continues to shine in the international arena! 💪🏏 #KarunNair

— N K khaitan 🇮🇳 (@khaitan48) May 30, 2025

150 FOR KARUN NAIR AGAINST ENGLAND LIONS 🇮🇳 What a great news for the Test Series. pic.twitter.com/kpSMNM2gd2

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 30, 2025

And Karun Nair gets a 100 batting at no.3. 🤝🤝🤝

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 30, 2025