IND vs ENG Highlights Begin With Karun Nair’s Comeback Fifty
IND vs ENG Highlights took a dramatic turn on Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval in London. As clouds loomed and rain delayed play briefly, India battled hard to finish at 204/6 at Stumps, with Karun Nair’s fighting half-century standing tall in difficult conditions.
This Test has already felt more like traditional English cricket — overcast skies, swing-friendly pitch, and a game balanced on a knife’s edge. Rain threatened to spoil the match multiple times, but the teams managed to squeeze in 64 overs. IND vs ENG Highlights
A Return to Traditional English Conditions
For the first time in this series, the pitch truly behaved like a typical English track. The surface at The Oval offered movement for the seamers, while the cloud cover only added to the challenge for the batters. India, who came in with high expectations, were put under early pressure by the swinging ball.
The match began with England winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. With seam-friendly conditions and some drizzle early on, it was a wise decision. However, despite the early advantage, England couldn’t completely dominate with the ball. IND vs ENG Highlights
Early Wickets Put India Under Pressure
India lost their skipper early as the top order failed to settle. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal showed promise, but neither could convert their starts. By the time Karun Nair walked in, the scoreboard read 83/3, and England looked on top. IND vs ENG Highlights
What followed was a display of patience and technique. Karun Nair, who had not scored a fifty in Tests since his iconic triple hundred in 2016, showed great discipline. He weathered the English bowling attack, respected the conditions, and slowly built his innings. IND vs ENG Highlights
Karun Nair’s Gritty Comeback: From 300 to 50
Karun Nair’s half-century was not just about numbers; it was a statement of resilience. He scored 51 runs in tough batting conditions, dealing with swing, seam, and the weight of expectations. His innings brought much-needed stability to India’s innings and set the tone for a possible recovery on Day 2.
It was a special knock, especially considering he had been out of the Test setup for a long time. His ability to adjust to conditions and play late showed his maturity. This was not flashy strokeplay—it was survival and revival rolled into one. IND vs ENG Highlights
Washington Sundar Supports Well
At the other end, Washington Sundar supported Karun with a steady hand. While he didn’t score big yet, his defensive game was crucial. Together, they ensured India didn’t collapse under pressure. Sundar finished unbeaten, and his role on Day 2 could define the rest of India’s first innings. IND vs ENG Highlights
England’s Mixed Day: Bright Spots and Worries
For England, Gus Atkinson was the standout bowler. Making a return to the XI, he found good rhythm and took important wickets. However, the rest of the bowling unit lacked control and consistency.
Chris Woakes, one of England’s main bowlers, walked off with what appeared to be a serious injury. That’s a major concern going forward, especially with India still having batting to come. IND vs ENG Highlights
A Fascinating Day 2 Awaits
With India at 204/6, the game remains open. If Karun and Sundar can add another 50-60 runs, India will feel confident. But if England strike early tomorrow, the hosts will believe they have the upper hand.
Day 1 belonged to Karun Nair—his patience, focus, and grit brought India through one of the most testing days of the series.
IND vs ENG Highlights: Full Score Summary
India 204/6 at Stumps on Day 1
Top scorer: Karun Nair – 51
Other notable contributions: Shubman Gill – 27, Yashasvi Jaiswal – 23
England bowlers: Gus Atkinson – 2 wickets, Chris Woakes – 1 wicket (injured during play)
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube..
