The BCCI, on Friday, May 16, announced the India A squad for the tour to England. As of now, an 18-member side has been named for the two four-day games against England.
The BCCI has further said that Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join the squad ahead of the second four-day game after completing their IPL commitments with the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Several reputed players from domestic cricket have been named in the side. The two names that stand out among the batters are Abhimanyu Easwaran and Karun Nair. Dhruv Jurel has been named as the vice-captain of the side, with Ishan Kishan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Manav Suthar and Tanush Kotian also added.
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Chance For Young Players To Make A Mark In England
Among the bowlers, several young and inexperienced bowlers have been named. All of them, however, have a chance to impress the selectors and earn a call to the Test side to be named for the England tour. Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Harsh Dubey have all been named.
Easwaran, who is leading the side, was a part of the Indian Test team for the series. With Rohit Sharma now retired from Test cricket, he has a chance to impress the selectors and earn his maiden Test call-up for India.
India ‘A’ will feature in two four-day matches against England Lions, starting on May 30 in Canterbury. The side will also play an intra-squad game from June 13 in Beckenham.
The names missing in this India A squad are those of Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer. Iyer and Patidar are options among the possible replacements for Virat Kohli at number four.
IND vs ENG Test Series From June 20
1st Test: June 20 to June 24 (Leeds)
2nd Test: July 2 to July 6 (Birmingham)
3rd Test: July 10 to July 14 (London)
4th Test: July 23 to July 27 (Manchester)
5th Test: July 31 to August 4 (London)
After the two four-day games, the India vs England Test series will start from June 20 with the first Test in Manchester. The squad for the Test series is expected to be announced by May 23.
India A squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (VC) (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Ishan Kishan (WK), Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Harsh Dubey
Note: Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will join the squad ahead of the second
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