 "Karun Nair walks back after getting dismissed for a duck. Image: Reuters")
Karun Nair’s much-awaited return to Test cricket ended in heartbreak as the right-hander was dismissed for a duck on Day 2 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley. After waiting seven long years to make his comeback in the Indian Test side, Nair lasted just four balls before falling to England skipper Ben Stokes.
Heartbreak for Karun Nair on Test comeback
It was a moment to forget for Nair but a brilliant one for England. On the final delivery of the 105th over, Stokes pitched it full and wide outside off. Nair looked to drive it through the covers but mistimed it. The ball flew in the air to short extra cover, where Ollie Pope took an absolute stunner, diving to his left and grabbing the ball mid-air like a goalkeeper.
With this, Nair’s comeback story took a cruel turn. His last Test appearance came way back in 2017, and since then, he has been out of the side. He was brought into the team by the new India team management following solid showing in domestic tournaments. However, Nair failed to make an impact in his first match back.
At the time of Nair’s dismissal, India were cruising at 447/5. Rishabh Pant is still batting in the middle at a score of 134. Before Nair arrived at the pitch, England had dismissed India captain Shubman Gill for 147 off 227 balls.