Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal marked the start of a pivotal performance by India’s batsmen during their preparation for the upcoming five-Test series against England. Caught behind off Hampshire’s 19-year-old seamer Eddie Jack, the batter departed the crease with just 24 runs to his name. This fixture is a very important warm-up ahead of the series kicking off on June 20 at Headingley.
He has filled the shoes of the young Indian team captain Shubman Gill. Looking ahead, his key task is to inspire his team to beat a more powerful English team. One of the day’s star performers was young Sarfaraz Khan, who gave a good account of himself with a brisk knock of 92. He developed an important partnership with Nair, compiling a remarkable 181 runs. This partnership was an exhibition of their awe-inspiring ability to construct innings when the heat is on.
Nair, who had become a national hero while thrashing an unbeaten 303 against England in Chennai back in 2016, was in the midst of his rich vein of form. He finished the evening not out, having built a magnificent undefeated stand of 177 runs with Dhruv Jurel. Dhruv ended on a high note, scoring 82 runs. Nair’s performance was particularly notable as he was dropped twice during his innings, once at 89 and again at 134, highlighting the challenges faced by England’s fielders.
From start to finish during that innings, Nair was a wonderful mix of aggression and technique. He bowled Abhimanyu Easwaran out for only eight runs, trapping him lbw. He then took Sarfaraz’s wicket, with an outstanding catch behind the stumps down the leg side. To maintain that level, Nair has regularly played county cricket with Northamptonshire to stay match-ready. He’s getting sharp and preparing himself for a future re-inclusion into the national team.
The game is expected to be a good preparation for both sides ahead of the Test series. It provides opportunity for players like Jurel and Nair to earn future years firmly establishing their place on the national team. With the series coming up, India will be looking to channel this momentum. At the same time, England is hell bent on making a statement on home turf.
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