Chennai: Karun Nair created history on Monday as he hit a historic unbeaten 303-run knock to become the only second Indian batsman after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century in Test cricket. Playing in his third Test match, Nair produced an unbelievable knock which comprised 32 boundaries and four sixes, as crowd at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk witnessed one of the finest knocks in the history of Indian cricket.
England, 2nd innings:
Over 5 | Score 12/0 | (Cook 3*, Jennings 9*)
STUMPS: England have batted for five overs, but the talk will be about Karun Nair, not just for today, but for the next week or so. What a sensational knock we saw today.
India, 1st innings:
Over 190.4 | Score 759/7d | (Nair 303*, Yadav 1*)
He has done it! Nair become only second Indian cricketer after Virender Sehwag to score a triple century! He was offered some width by Rashid, he played a cut shot and it went past point as a diving Cook failed to stop it. One of the best innings in the history of Indian cricket. He had been making headlines with superb knocks in Indian domestic circuit and the hard work has finally paid off! India also declare.
Over 185 | Score 717/6 | (Nair 276*, Jadeja 37*)
Nair has possibly been given a time by the Indian team management as he is batting in ODI mode at the moment. He hit Adil Rashid for boundaries and a six in his 27th over. It's raining sixes and boundaries at Chennai at the moment.
Over 180 | Score 677/6 | (Nair 246*, Jadeja 27*)
After Ashwin's dismissal, both Nair and Jadeja stepped up the gas as runs came at quick pace. India are looking to declare and both the batsmen are taking their chances. The partnership is now worth 61 runs. Declaration can come anytime now.
Over 172 | Score 620/6 | (Nair 218*, Jadeja 1*)
R Ashwin was the next batsman to be dismissed as he was caught brilliantly by Jos Buttler at point off Broad's bowling. The wicket also ended the 181-run stand for the sixth wicket. Ravindra Jadeja is the new man in. India need some quick runs and he is the right man for the occasion. Nair, on the other hand, is also stepping up the gas.
R Ashwin c Buttler b Broad 67 (149b)
Over 167 | Score 593/5 | (Nair 202*, R Ashwin 58*)
Nair drove Keaton Jennings' first ball for a boundary to bring his maiden double century! Brilliant knock from the right-hander, who has grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has mage a huge impact with the bat.
Over 165 | Score 582/5 | (Nair 195*, R Ashwin 54*)
TEA: Nair and Ashwin continue to frustrate the English bowlers. Once again, India's lower order has risen to the occasion. Ashwin has been in mind-blowing form, both with the bat and the ball with the team so far in the series. Nair needs five more runs to complete his double ton. The partnership is now worth 147 runs as hosts lead by 105 runs with five wickets remaining.
Over 155 | Score 539/5 | (Nair 166*, R Ashwin 40*)
Lokesh Rahul might have missed out on a double ton, but it remains to be seen whether Nair can do so. At the moment, he is batting beautifully with Ashwin and the pair has added unbeaten 104-runs for the sixth wicket. None of the English bowlers have been able to make an impact today since the beginning of play. India now lead by 62 runs with four wickets remaining.
Over 145 | Score 509/5 | (Nair 150*, R Ashwin 26*)
While Nair has reached 150, R Ashwin, the batsman continues to impress with his technique. With Ravindra Jadeja still to come, the body language of the English players has already dropped. India now lead by 32 runs with five wickets remaining. Cook needs one of his bowlers to show some magic.
Over 135 | Score 463/5 | (Nair 122*, R Ashwin 9*)
LUNCH: Karun Nair has batted through the entire session brilliantly. Clearly India's session. Surprisingly, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, two of England's best bowlers on sub-continental tracks haven't bowled much today. Remains to be seen what ideas does Alastair Cook come up with post lunch. India now lead by 14 runs with five wickets remaining.
Over 124 | Score 435/5 | (Nair 103*, R Ashwin 0*)
Karun Nair finally managed to reach his century as he scored a boundary past point off Ben Stokes. A very well played knock. He might have to be rested when Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane get fit, but he has proved a point with the bat. Meanwhile, Murali Vijay was the next batsman to be dismissed as Dawson trapped him in front of the wicket.
M Vijay lbw b Dawson 29 (76b)
Over 115 | Score 404/4 | (Nair 80*, Vijay 21*)
Karun Nair and Murali Vijay continued the good work for India in the morning session. Starting play at 383/4, these two have added 13 runs so far. Nair, who is seeking his maiden Test ton, charged down the wicket against Liam Dawson to dispatch him over long-on for a six. The partnership is now worth 32 runs.
Day 3 Recap
Talented opener K L Rahul displayed superb temperament but missed out on a well-deserved double century by a solitary run even though India were in a commanding position at 391 for 4 on the third day.
India are only 87 runs behind England with six wickets in hand and the penultimate day's proceedings on how the hosts play an enforcer will determine if there would be a result in the match.
Rahul, who hit a career-best 199, was in a record breaking spree en route his fourth Test hundred.
He was devastated after coming tantalisingly close to his maiden double hundred before a moment's laziness saw him slash a loopy leg break from Adil Rashid straight into the hands of Jos Buttler.
An opening partnership of 152 with Parthiv Patel (71) set the perfect platform and it was utilised perfectly with another 161-run stand for the fourth wicket with Karun Nair (71 batting).
Both Parthiv and Karun also notched up their individual best in Test cricket.
Off-spinner Moeen Ali (1/96 in 24 overs) and Adil Rashid (1/76 in 17 overs) bowled bulk of the overs but were not effective with literally no help from the track. Moeen was smashed for 10 boundaries and a six.
Stokes (1/37) was also erratic occasionally.
With injured Murali Vijay (17 batting) coming in at No 6, India will hope to score quick runs and get a lead of 100 which would enable them to put pressure on England and go for a victory.
New Delhi: Welcome to our live coverage of Day 4 action of the India-England fifth Test being played at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai.
