In the lead-up to the second unofficial Test between India A vs England Lions, major developments have taken place with the composition of the squad. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, who were initially supposed to play the game as part of their red-ball preparation, will not be present for the second game, which begins on June 6 in Northampton.
Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan to Travel With Main Test Squad
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According to the initial BCCI statement, India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, along with his Gujarat Titans (GT) teammate B Sai Sudharsan, were set to report to the India A team for this match. However, reports have now stated that both players will travel with the senior India Test team, which will arrive in England on June 6.
KL Rahul to Play for India A
While Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are not available, KL Rahul is likely to join the India A side on Tuesday, June 4, and feature in the second unofficial Test. The game will be high-quality match practice for Rahul before the five-Test series against England begins on June 20 in Leeds.
Squad Updates: Akash Deep Returns
Fast bowler Akash Deep is set to be available for the second match for selection. He had recuperated from a back strain acquired after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was cleared to play in early April. He played IPL 2025 for Lucknow Super Giants and was in Canterbury for the first unofficial Test, though he bowled only short spells during intervals.
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Summarization of the First India A vs England Lions Match
The first unofficial Test was a drawn contest on a slow and flat pitch at Canterbury. Some of the India A players were impressive:
Karun Nair made a double-century batting at No. 3. Dhruv Jurel made two half-centuries, demonstrating good form. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Nitish Kumar Reddy also contributed quick-fire fifties during the second innings.
All-rounders Shardul Thakur and Reddy bowled 14.5 and 28 overs respectively and are likely to play again in the second match.
England Lions Spurred by Chris Woakes
For the second match, England Lions are likely to bolster their lineup with the addition of seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes. Only six players with Test caps played the first match for the Lions, and hence, the addition of Woakes will bring quality and balance to the team.
What’s Next After the Lions Series?
After the second unofficial Test (June 6–9), India will have an intra-squad match behind closed doors against India A at Beckenham. The game will act as a last warm-up before the Indian Test team leaves for Leeds to gear up for the first of five Tests against England.
The absence of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan in the India A vs England Lions second match brings attention to players such as KL Rahul and Karun Nair, who will seek to leave their mark before the entire Test series.
Ahead of India’s long five-Test battle in England, these matches provide crucial preparation and information about form and fitness.
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