India, May 31 -- Karun Nair delivered a timely reminder of his long-format pedigree with a marathon double century on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against the England Lions on Saturday. The right-hander's 272-ball double-ton comes at a time when India has lost two of its biggest batting stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma; furthermore, Nair is part of the Test squad for the England series. The marathon knock has boosted Nair's contention for a spot in the XI when India returns to the format in the first Test on June 20.

Nair appeared assured from the outset as he made his return to Indian colours, albeit in an unofficial match. He displayed a vast array of strokes - crisp drives, powerful pulls, deft steers, and even a reverse ...