In a day interrupted by constant rain, Karun Nair came out as India’s hero, scoring a half-century after nine years to keep the visitors in the contest on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval.
At stumps, India were 204 for 6 in 64 overs, recovering from the early dismissals, thanks to Nair’s 52* off 98 balls and his partnership with Washington Sundar (19* off 45). England, having elected to bowl first, failed to capitalise on conditions favouring their seamers. India’s poor luck at the toss continued as this was their 15th successive loss, forcing them once again to bat first under tough conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was trapped lbw for 2 by a full delivery from Gus Atkinson. KL Rahul looked solid but fell for 14, courtesy of Chris Woakes. Shubman Gill, having already broken the record for most runs by an Indian captain in a Test series, was run out for 21 after a brilliant piece of fielding from Atkinson in his follow-through. Sai Sudharsan added 38 but edged behind after an impressive delivery from Josh Tongue.
With rain coming and going, only 64 overs were bowled in total. For Karun Nair, this was his first Test fifty in 3,149 days, the second-longest such gap for an Indian player. Since scoring a triple-century in 2016, Nair had been sidelined from selection. But his strong domestic performances led him to make his comeback finally. The Indian dressing room will not be too happy with the score, but have a fighting chance as they will take the field on the second day. With showers predicted on the following day aswell, both teams will look to make impact and apply pressure on the other.
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