Nair's Fifty Helps India Resist on Rain-Hit Day
India showed commendable resilience on a rain-interrupted opening day of the fifth Test, led by a determined half-century from Karun Nair. Despite winning the toss on a grassy, seam-friendly pitch, England's bowlers were too inconsistent to take full advantage, allowing India to reach a respectable 204 for 6 at stumps.
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England's Missed Opportunity
After Shubman Gill lost his 15th consecutive toss, England had the perfect conditions to dominate. However, their pace attack, barring a sharp opening spell from Gus Atkinson, lacked discipline. Josh Tongue was particularly erratic, conceding numerous extras and struggling to find a consistent line. This lack of sustained pressure allowed India's batters to survive crucial periods.
Day of Contrasting Fortunes
Before the rain arrived, captain Shubman Gill looked in good touch, becoming the highest-scoring Indian captain in a single Test series. However, his promising innings was cut short by a brilliant piece of fielding from Gus Atkinson, who ran him out. Sai Sudharsan also looked solid, batting patiently for his 38 before being dismissed by an excellent delivery from Tongue.
It was Karun Nair who anchored the innings. Playing with resolve, he scored his first Test fifty in over eight years, a crucial knock that held the team together after a mid-innings wobble. He and Washington Sundar saw India through to the close of play on a day where only 64 overs were possible, leaving the match evenly poised.
