India A To Take On England Lions In Warm-Up Matches Featuring Senior Stars

India A to face England Lions ahead of Test series [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

With the big five-match Test series against England approcahing, Team India isn’t leaving anything to chance this time. Before the real battle begins on June 20 at Headingley, some of the country’s top red-ball talent could be seen warming up in India A colours against the England Lions in two four-day matches.

Senior India Stars Expected In India A Squad For England Lions Clash Ahead Of Test Tour

While the IPL 2025 will wrap up with the final on May 25, selectors already have their eyes on a different pitch. The first of the two unofficial Tests will be held from May 30 at The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury followed by the second on June 6 at Northampton. These matches are basically India’s dress rehearsals before the big act kicks off.

Expect a few familiar faces from the senior squad in these matches, not just the hopefuls, but the regulars too, using this window to shake off jet lag and find rhythm.

With the IPL knockouts slotted for May 20, 21, 23, and the final on May 25, there’s a clean five-day window before India A’s first four-dayer kicks off. The selectors are expected to name the squad just before or right after the IPL knockouts, depending on player availability.

---

ALSO READ

'He Was Doing What Dhoni Used To Do': Rayudu Defends Pant After LSG's Loss vs DC

---

A BCCI source told PTI: “There is enough time to announce the squad, mostly ahead of the knockouts or just after those matches. You will then get a clear picture as to which players are available by then.”

Rohit To Lead Senior Squad, Bumrah Under Watch

When the main Test series starts, Rohit Sharma is expected to be at the helm again, despite two back-to-back series losses against New Zealand and Australia. While his own form hasn’t been earth-shattering, experience still counts and Rohit’s still the man to lead this red-ball unit.

However, India will be sweating over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. The ace pacer is still recovering from a back injury he picked up during the Aussie tour and will miss the initial games of IPL 2025 for Mumbai Indians. Whether he’s fit enough for the Test series remains to be seen, but his progress will be closely monitored.

---

ALSO READ

Tentative Schedule Revealed For IND Vs WI Test Series; Eden Gardens To Host 2nd Match

---