Karun Nair’s poor run with the bat continued in the second Test at Edgbaston, despite a promising start. After earning a recall to the national side following an eight-year absence, fans had high expectations from the experienced right-hander. However, he has now registered three low scores in a row, failing to capitalise once again.
England won the toss and opted to bowl first. Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal walked out to begin the innings. Rahul departed early, dismissed for just two runs after playing on to a delivery from Chris Woakes. Nair then joined Jaiswal at the crease and began with intent, looking confident from the start.
Nair played a few elegant strokes, including three delightful cover drives — two of them coming in consecutive balls off Josh Tongue in the 12th over. The early signs were encouraging, as he appeared to be settling in well.
However, the promising knock was cut short when he faced a short delivery from Brydon Carse. Attempting to fend it off, Nair failed to control the shot and ended up edging a simple catch to second slip. Harry Brook made no mistake with the catch, and Nair’s innings ended on 31 off 50 balls. His knock included five boundaries and featured a steady 80-run partnership with Jaiswal, which helped stabilize India after the early loss of Rahul.
Sai Sudharsan was dropped for this Test and the management gave Nair the opportunity to bat at number three. But despite the positive start, he failed to convert it into a big score and walked back visibly frustrated.
At lunch, India stood at 98 for 2. Jaiswal remained unbeaten on 62, continuing his good form, while captain Shubman Gill was not out on 1. For England, Woakes and Carse were the wicket-takers in the morning session.
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