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Key Points

Shubman Gill, India's new Test captain, will not partake in India A's second Test against England Lions, opting to join the main squad. KL Rahul is expected to feature in the squad against the Lions, bringing his veteran presence. Meanwhile, Chris Woakes' inclusion is anticipated to strengthen the England Lions lineup. Following a draw in the team's first encounter, cricket enthusiasts keenly await the upcoming clash's outcome.

Key Points: Shubman Gill Skips India A Test KL Rahul Joins Squad

  • Shubman Gill skips India A for main squad travel
  • KL Rahul joins India A against England Lions
  • Veteran Chris Woakes boosts England Lions lineup
3 min read

Test captain Shubman Gill unlikely to play for India A in second unofficial Test against England Lions

Shubman Gill to miss India A's second Test against England Lions; KL Rahul set to feature.

"He sent the ball racing towards the boundary rope for a four and brought up a sizzling double ton. - Karun Nair's achievement"

New Delhi, June 3

India's newly crowned Test captain, Shubman Gill, won't feature in the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions, which is scheduled to be held at Northampton from June 6, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Last month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a Test squad for the five high-stakes Tests in England, beginning from June 20 at Headingley. The board announced that Gill, who succeeded Rohit Sharma as the Test captain, and Sai Sudharsan would join India A for the second unofficial Test.

However, according to ESPNcricinfo, Gill and Sudharsan will travel with the main squad, landing in England on June 6. But seasoned wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul is expected to feature against the England Lions after linking up with the India A squad on Tuesday.

Along with Rahul, Akash Deep will be available for selection. Akash sustained a back injury after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He regained fitness in April and featured for the Lucknow Super Giants, scalping three wickets from six fixtures.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Akash was present with the India A squad in the first unofficial Test in Canterbury and bowled in short stints during the breaks across the four days.

England Lions, who fielded an inexperienced XI with six Test caps in the first unofficial contest, are expected to receive a massive boost from Chris Woakes's addition for the second clash.

The first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions ended in a draw on Monday. Yashasvi Jaiswal (64 off 60 balls), Abhimanyu Easwaran (68 off 87 balls), Dhruv Jurel (53 not out), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (52 not out off 47 balls) impressed in the second innings.

Meanwhile, in the first turn, Karun Nair's redemption arc in England began with a rollicking double century. On Day 2, with the sun shining over Canterbury, Karun stepped on the crease with an ambition of continuing to thrive with his formula of success and making England Lions toil hard for wickets.

The 32-year-old had to wait till the final over of the 101st over to get his hands on the elusive landmark. Eddie Jack went wayward in line and length, allowing Nair to exploit the gap.

He sent the ball racing towards the boundary rope for a four and brought up a sizzling double ton. Nair soaked in the sound of applause in the stadium and kissed his helmet to allow the landmark moment to sink in. Nair holed it to Rew off Zaman Akhter and returned with 204(281).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Smart move by BCCI to keep Gill fresh for the main Tests! Why risk him in a practice match when we have big battles ahead? Hope KL Rahul gets some good batting time though - he needs to regain his Test form 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
Karun Nair's double century was pure class! After being in the wilderness for so long, this comeback is straight out of a Bollywood script. Hope selectors are watching - he deserves another chance in the main team! 🔥
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Arjun S.
Not sure why Gill was even considered for A team when he's the Test captain now. Feels like unnecessary travel and fatigue. Focus should be on acclimatizing to English conditions with the main squad. Good decision to pull him out.
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Shweta R.
Excited to see Akash Deep back in action! His bowling could be crucial in England conditions. Hope he stays fit and gets some good overs under his belt before the Tests. 🤞
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Vikram J.
England Lions adding Woakes is a smart move - gives our batsmen good practice against quality bowling before the Tests. Hope our boys make the most of this opportunity to prepare for the main series.
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Neha P.
Yashasvi and Abhimanyu's performances are promising! Our bench strength in batting looks solid. But I'm more concerned about our bowling attack - hope they get proper match practice in these conditions.

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