Karun Nair's Disappointing Return in India vs England Test

Karun Nair's Test Comeback Falls Flat

Karun Nair's much-anticipated return to Test cricket did not go as planned, as he was dismissed for a duck on just his fourth ball during the second day of the first Test match between India and England at Headingley, Leeds. Facing Ben Stokes, Nair attempted a drive at an outswinger that was pitched wide outside his leg stump but failed to connect effectively. The ball soared into the air, where Ollie Pope executed a remarkable one-handed catch at short cover, marking a disappointing return for the Indian batsman who had been eager to contribute after a lengthy absence from the squad.

Stokes bowled a full outswinger that passed the off stump, luring Nair into an ambitious cover drive. In his effort to penetrate the infield, Nair misjudged the shot, resulting in a poorly controlled hit. The ball sped off, and Pope, stationed at short cover, made an extraordinary diving catch. He leaped to his left, catching the ball overhead while nearly horizontal, effectively ending Nair's brief innings.