Nair regrets inability to convert starts in Tests

Bengaluru: Ruing his inability to convert starts into substantial scores during the Test series against Australia, which eventually resulted in his being rejected from the national side for the upcoming Sri Lanka cricket tour, middle-order batsman Karun Nair says he is now focussed on the India A tour to South Africa.

After the 303 not out against England in Chennai, Nair experienced an extended lean spell with the bat. In four innings against Australia, he made scores of 26, 0, 23 and 5 as India eked out a 2-1 series win.

His poor run with the bat cost him his place in the national side for the three-match Test series against the Sri Lankans, starting July 26.

"I will have to respect the decision of the team management and selectors," Nair was quoted as saying by espncricinfo on Monday.

"If I look back, I got a couple of starts which I feel I could have made into substantial scores. Those two starts I got were supposed to be converted, but you know that's how it goes for a batsman, sometimes you get starts and you are not able to convert them. I don't think there's any point talking about it right now. I am just looking forward to the season coming up and try to do better.

"Honestly, I was fortunate enough to get to play in the XI. So I was very happy, learning new things from everyone around and playing Test cricket. I was really enjoying myself and not thinking too much about it. But the competition is very high and it's healthy competition. There's nothing to worry about there, I am not thinking too much, just looking forward," he added.

His form didn't get much better in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he ended the season with 281 runs at an average of 21.61 as Delhi Daredevils failed to make the play-offs.

The 25-year-old right-hander said he is now preparing to lead the India A side for the four-day matches against the South Africans.

"That's the way it goes and I am just focusing on South Africa now, the India 'A' tour, looking forward to it. It is going to be a new experience for me, I have never been to South Africa, so trying to just prepare myself and do well there.

"It will be a new experience to go to South Africa for the first time, to experience those conditions and see how it is to play cricket there. It is a stepping stone to do well and get myself back into the Test team. Even looking at it that way, I am looking forward and just trying to be positive," he said.