1st Unofficial Test: Haines-Holden Partnership Rescues England Lions After Nair’s Epic Double Ton
In a captivating clash of emerging talents, the England Lions showcased grit and determination on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against India A at Canterbury on Saturday. After India A piled up a mammoth 557, driven by Karun Nair’s masterful 204, the Lions roared back with an unbeaten 106-run stand between opener Tom Haines (103*) and Max Holden (64*), finishing the day at 237 for 2, still trailing by 320 runs.
The day began with India A in a commanding position, resuming at 409 for 3. Nair, overnight on 186, converted his score into a monumental double century, hammering 26 fours and a solitary six in his 281-ball vigil. His milestone came with a crisp boundary off Eddie Jack, sparking celebrations in the Indian camp. Nair’s 195-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel (94) for the fourth wicket had already broken the Lions’ spirit on Day 1, and despite Jurel’s dismissal early on Day 2, Nair stood tall until edging to keeper James Rew off Zaman Akhter.
India A’s tail couldn’t wag for long, with quick wickets falling to Josh Hull (3/72) and Akhter (3/73), wrapping up the innings at 557 in 125.1 overs. But the focus soon shifted to England Lions’ response, which started shakily. Opener Ben McKinney (16) was undone by a peach of a delivery from Anshul Kamboj, whose disciplined swing bowling posed early threats.
A 109-run second-wicket partnership between Haines and Emilio Gay (46) provided stability before Gay fell to a sharp catch by Sarfaraz Khan off left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey. With the Lions at 131 for 2, the stage was set for Haines and Holden to take charge. Haines, playing a captain’s knock, reached his century with composure, facing 147 balls and striking 11 boundaries. Holden complemented him with a fluent 64 off just 61 balls, including a towering six and eight fours, as their partnership blossomed over 118 deliveries.
This match, a crucial platform for players eyeing national selection, has already seen standout performances. For India A, Nair’s double ton—his third in first-class cricket—reaffirms his hunger for a Test recall, having last played for India in 2017. His knock, studded with elegant drives and gritty defense, is a reminder of his famous 303* against England in Chennai. Meanwhile, Haines’ ton signals his readiness for higher honors, having led Sussex with distinction in county cricket.
As Day 3 dawns, the Lions will look to close the deficit with Haines and Holden still at the crease. India A, on the other hand, will aim for quick wickets to assert dominance. With weather conditions expected to favor batting, an intriguing battle lies ahead in this clash of future stars.
Brief Scores:
India A: 557 all out in 125.1 overs (Karun Nair 204, Dhruv Jurel 94, Sarfaraz Khan 92; Josh Hull 3/72, Zaman Akhter 3/73)
England Lions: 237/2 in 52 overs (Tom Haines 103*, Max Holden 64*; Anshul Kamboj 1/24)