Karun Nair crafted a vital half-century on Day 1 (Thursday, July 31) of the fifth and final Test against England, taking place at The Oval. After being left out of the fourth Test, he made a strong return to the playing XI and is making his opportunity count.
India faced early setbacks with wickets tumbling at the top, but Nair, coming in at number five, provided much-needed stability with a composed innings under pressure. He brought up his fifty on the first delivery of the 62nd over, nudging a loose ball from Jacob Bethell down the leg side for two runs. This knock marks his first half-century of the current series.
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Made it count & how 👏
Wickets kept tumbling at the other end, but he stood tall. A fighting fifty for #KarunNair, his first 50+ score since that iconic triple ton! 💪#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST, DAY 1 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/04PYjgLzCW pic.twitter.com/jkUmfRPrid
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 31, 2025
Before this innings, the last time Karun Nair crossed the fifty-run mark was during his unbeaten triple century against England in Chennai. At stumps on Day 1, he remained not out on 52 from 98 deliveries, including seven boundaries. He shared an important unbroken 51-run partnership with Washington Sundar, helping India reach 204 for 6 at the close of play.
Karun Nair Finds Form Amid Tough England Series
Karun Nair’s half-century comes as a welcome relief after a difficult run in the current series. He returned to the Indian team after eight years, following an outstanding domestic season. He scored 863 runs for Vidarbha in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy at an average of 53.93, including four centuries and two fifties.
However, he struggled in the first three Tests, managing only 131 runs from six innings without a fifty. Before this Test, he had 505 runs from nine matches and 13 innings. His innings on Day 1 was composed and steady, helping him regain confidence.
At 33, Nair will be eager to build on this start and aim for a century when he resumes his innings on Day 2. With India already six wickets down, his role will be crucial in helping the team reach a strong first-innings total.
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