ENG Lions vs IND A | Twitter in awe as Nair strikes double ton to keep banging on Test team door

India A got off to a rousing start in the first of two warm-up games against England Lions, at Canterbury on Friday, to end Day 1 on 409/3. While Sarfaraz Ahmed impressed with a quick 92 and Dhruv Jurel kept the tempo up later in the day, it was Karun Nair who stole the limelight with his 24th first-class ton to put the selectors on notice. The veteran displayed a breathtaking array of shots against both the spinners and pacers, pouncing on any scoring opportunities especially when they arrived square of the wicket, and ended unbeaten on 186. However, Nair was determined to make a splash big enough to burst through the shadows amidst the Indian Premier League hype, and so he did on Day 2 of the encounter.

Nair began on Saturday with a legbye before stroking his first boundary of the morning in the fourth over. Even as Jurel fell for 94 at the other end and Nitish Kumar Reddy departed soon after against a relatively new ball, Nair remained steadfast in his approach as he rotated strike and accumulated the odd boundary. The big moment eventually arrived in the 101st over, when Nair struck Eddie Jack for a four on the final ball of his set to move past the magical 200-run mark. However, the veteran batter was rather stoic with his celebrations, quietly raising his bat and kissing the helmet before returning to business as usual.

After a big season in the Ranji Trophy and with Virat Kohli retired, Twitterati was quick to point out that Nair's experience could prove to be crucial in India's middle-order when they take on England in five Tests beginning June 20 with his latest knock practically cementing his place in the XI.

Double Century!

What a player!

Perfect knock!

Making statement!

Good batting!

Double!

Classic Player!

Karun nair !

Mr consistent!

Celebration!

Karun on fire!