Oval Test
Oval Test: Karun Nair slams half-century to help India score 204-6 at stumps on day 1
London/IBNS: Karun Nair slammed his first half-century since his triple ton years ago to help India go past 200 in the rain-interrupted first day's play in the fifth and final Test against England at Kennington Oval in London on Thursday.
India finished at 204-6 at stumps on day one.
Nair, the top scorer so far, remained unbeaten at 52 off 98 balls with the help of seven boundaries.
Washington Sundar, who hit his maiden hundred only in the last game, was at the crease batting at 19 with Nair at the closing.
Earlier, Sai Sudharsan, who looked in touch, scored 38 failing to convert the innings into a big one.
India captain Shubman Gill, who steadied the innings with Sai after both the openers- Yashasvi Jasiwal and KL Rahul- were dismissed cheaply, was run out by Gus Atkinson for 21.
England's regular captain Ben Stokes missed this Test for his injury while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse have been rested. Liam Dawson has been dropped from the playing XI.
Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton and Josh Tongue have replaced the four in the squad.
India introduced four changes to their playing XI from the previous game.
Dhruv Jurel replaced vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who suffered a fracture on his foot in the fourth match at the Lord's.
Karun Nair, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna replaced Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj and Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, who is India's premier fast bowler, has been rested to manage his workload.
Ollie Pope will lead the English side in Stokes' absence.
Though India heroically drew the fourth Test on July 27, England are ahead of the visitors in the five-match series 2-1.
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