It took all the patience, technique and to the top of it self-belief for the 25-year-old Karun Nair to become the youngest Indian player to score a triple hundred in Tests. He is also the second Indian player, after Virender Sehwag to get a triple century. The Karnataka player took only 381 balls to reach his individual best of 303 with the help of 32 boundaries and four sixes.
Interestingly, Karun Nair’s 303 runs also include his first maiden hundred. Though his friend and local boy KL Rahul made a mistake of succumbing to pressure batting at 199 on Sunday, Nair made sure that such pressure does not enter his mind and it is evident by the way he batted throughout the innings on Day 4 of the fifth test against England. He was well supported by R Ashwin who also knocked a half-century in the process.
Earlier in the day, Murali Vijay got out off LBW in Dawson’s bowling with an individual score of 29 runs. The opening batsman was forced to bat in the middle, following an injury while fielding in the first innings against England. Despite losing Murali Vijay, India managed to post a massive total of 759/7 (d), leading England by 282 runs. Thanks to Karun Nair, who paired up with Ashwin and Jadeja at the end to hand Indians a lead of 282 runs.
However, it seems that Virat Kohli has delayed the declaration of the innings by a session as it has got to bowl only 5 overs to England on Day 4. The onus is now on the Indian bowlers to bring the best out of them and force the game for a result. Otherwise, a draw will be the possible outcome on Day 5 of the Chennai test.
As of now, England are batting at 12/0 with captain Alastair cook (3) and Jennings (9) at the crease. India has already won the five-match test series 3-0.