After winning the one-day series by a comprehensive 4-1 margin, the India 'A' side would want to carry the winning momentum into their two match Test series against the England Lions as well. The first of the two Unofficial Tests will be played at the Krishnagiri Stadium at Wayanad in Kerala from Thursday.
The hosts have some well known international and domestic names in their squad. KL Rahul has been included after a good outing in the final one day match. The presence of domestic batting talents like Ankit Bawne, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Siddhesh Lad also tell about the might of their batting lineup.
The visitors, on the other hand, would be looking forward to an improved showing after they were totally ran over in the one dayers. However, they raised the English fans' hopes with an assuring victory in the final One day even though it was a dead rubber clash. And they would want to carry that momentum into this match as well.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Rain and thunderstorms are in prediction for scattered parts in the first two days of the match. That might make the pitch a bit difficult to bat for the openers. Fast bowlers will also get a lot of help due to overcast conditions.
Predicted Starting XIs:
India A: Ankit Bawne (Captain), KL Rahul, AR Easwaran, Priyank Panchal, Ricky Bhui, Siddhesh Lad, K.S. Bharat (WK), Jalaj Saxena, Navdeep Saini, Avesh Khan, Varun Aaron
England Lions: Sam Hain, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Sam
After winning the one-day series by a comprehensive 4-1 margin, the India 'A' side would want to carry the winning momentum into their two match Test series against the England Lions as well. The first of the two Unofficial Tests will be played at the Krishnagiri Stadium at Wayanad in Kerala from Thursday.
The hosts have some well known international and domestic names in their squad. KL Rahul has been included after a good outing in the final one day match. The presence of domestic batting talents like Ankit Bawne, Abhimanyu Easwaran and Siddhesh Lad also tell about the might of their batting lineup.
The visitors, on the other hand, would be looking forward to an improved showing after they were totally ran over in the one dayers. However, they raised the English fans' hopes with an assuring victory in the final One day even though it was a dead rubber clash. And they would want to carry that momentum into this match as well.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Rain and thunderstorms are in prediction for scattered parts in the first two days of the match. That might make the pitch a bit difficult to bat for the openers. Fast bowlers will also get a lot of help due to overcast conditions.
Predicted Starting XIs:
India A: Ankit Bawne (Captain), KL Rahul, AR Easwaran, Priyank Panchal, Ricky Bhui, Siddhesh Lad, K.S. Bharat (WK), Jalaj Saxena, Navdeep Saini, Avesh Khan, Varun Aaron
England Lions: Sam Hain, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Sam Billings (C & Wk), Max Holden, Lewis Gregory, Steven Mullaney, Dominic Bess, Jamie Porter, Danny Briggs, Jamie Overton
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Sam Billings (10 Cr)
Billings was the only English batsman to score a century in the one day series. He has in him what it takes to play the long game and might turn out to be one amongst the Lions' top run getters in this match as well.
Batsman: Abhimanyu Easwaran (8.5 Cr)
The 23-year old has been on scintillating form with the bat in this Ranji season. He has 3370 runs in 42 first class matches at an average nearing 50. That reason should be enough to convince you for picking him in your team.
All-Rounder: Jalaj Saxena (9.5 Cr)
Saxena has been one of the most consistent all-rounders in India's domestic circuit over the years. He has 5996 first class runs to his name at an average of 37.71 in 109 matches. Moreover, he has picked up 291 wickets at an average of 28.51 and that sums up his prowess as an all-rounder.
Bowler: Varun Aaron (8.5 Cr)
The Indian pace battery was not only one of the fastest bowlers in India but also in the world. Although plagued by injuries, he is still going strong and has traded pace for skills. He has 160 wickets to his name at an average of 31.78 and would be the bowler to watch out in this match.
Captain: Jalaj Saxena
Vice-Captain: Abhimanyu Easwaran
