After nearly eight years and 3006 days, Karun Nair’s much-awaited return to Test cricket ended in heartbreak on Saturday at Headingley. The right-hander was dismissed for a four-ball duck, crushed by a stunning catch from Ollie Pope and a well-set trap by England skipper Ben Stokes. Nair, looking to get off the mark quickly, chased a wide delivery from Stokes.
It wasn’t the most dangerous ball, but the shot lacked control. Positioned at short cover, Pope launched into the air and pulled off a brilliant one-handed catch. The dismissal left Nair shell-shocked as he trudged back slowly, visibly disappointed. It was a cruel twist for a player trying to reignite his Test career after so long.
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Nair’s dismissal came right after India lost captain Shubman Gill, who walked back for a magnificent 147. His departure halted India’s charge momentarily, but Rishabh Pant, already looking in ominous form, brought stability back alongside Ravindra Jadeja. Pant had earlier brought up his seventh Test century and continued to dominate the English bowlers.
Ollie Pope… that is OUTSTANDING! 🔥
A flying catch to his left means Karun Nair departs for a duck.
🇮🇳 4️⃣4️⃣7️⃣-5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/Vlaugc7Bm3
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 21, 2025
3006 days later ..
Karun Nair is back.#ENGvsIND #INDvsENGpic.twitter.com/u3hJorf7q5 https://t.co/AGvTqJWvsm
— AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) June 21, 2025
OLLIE POPE TAKES A SCREAMER 😍
India are five down at Headingley 🏏#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/vPIU9AhIdD
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) June 21, 2025
At the time of writing, India were cruising at 453 for 5, firmly in control of the match. The visitors will be keen to stretch the lead and ensure they don’t have to bat again in this Test.
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Ironically, Ben Stokes—despite not being a frontline bowler anymore—has been England’s most effective weapon with the ball. He has picked up three crucial wickets, keeping his side in the hunt. In contrast, England’s main pacers—Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue—have failed to trouble the Indian batting unit consistently. For England to avoid further damage, they’ll hope to wrap up the Indian innings before the total crosses 500.
