Indian batter Karun Nair smashed a double hundred and received a standing ovation at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury on Saturday, May 31, while playing against the England Lions. After returning to the Indian Test team, Karun put up an impressive display, reaching his double century in 272 balls and making his case stronger for the spot in India's playing XI. Karun achieved the milestone by hitting pacer Eddie Jack for four runs in the 101st over of the match during the morning session of Day 2. Additionally, this enabled India to surpass the 450-run mark against the England Lions, establishing a formidable total for them in the series' opening tour match.

When Karun reached his double century, a feeling of peace took over. Neither did he roar, nor did he leap to great heights. He undoubtedly thanked cricket for giving him another chance as he just walked off the field, took off his helmet, and kissed the Indian flag.

Fans are extremely excited and happy to see Nair marking his return with a knock this magnificent. This has also increased the chances of Nair taking the number three or four spot in the playing XI in the England series. If recent reports are to be trusted, Shubman Gill will be moving down to number four spot and give his usual number three spot to Karun Nair.

India A got off to a tremendous start to the day, with Karun and Dhruv Jurel both looking fantastic. Jurel, who concluded the Indian Premier League in outstanding form, raced to 94 thanks to some stunning straight drives. In the game's 95th over, the hitter edged the ball to the first slip, failing to turn his innings into a well-earned century.

In just 234 balls, the pair amassed 195 runs between them, paving the way for India to score a huge total in the opening tour match. All-rounder Nitish Reddy batted after Jurel was dismissed, but he was unable to significantly affect the outcome of the match. One of India's heroes in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020–21, Shardul Thakur, delivered several lustful knocks against the Lions following Nitish's ejection. He struck his shots with contempt, which caused the opposing bowling order to fear.

India enjoyed the second half of the morning session on Day 2 of the unofficial Test match, while Karun stayed composed and unfazed by Shardul's aggression. In the England series, the hitter has established himself as the front-runner for the No. 3 spot. India, which would be seeking some top-order experience, could greatly benefit from Nair's maturity and ability to maintain team stability in the morning.

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