The first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions was a batter’s paradise, yielding over 1300 runs for just 22 wickets. Karun Nair’s double-century and Dhruv Jurel’s twin knocks were highlights, but the lack of quality bowling meant India’s fringe Test batters weren’t stretched enough. That will change now.
Chris Woakes & Tongue bolster England Lions
Chris Woakes, fresh from six wickets for Warwickshire, returns to competitive red-ball action in Lions colours. Alongside him will be Josh Tongue, who impressed in England’s win over Zimbabwe. With both seamers competing for Test spots themselves—especially in light of injuries to Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, and Jofra Archer—they won’t be holding back. Archer’s thumb injury means he won’t be available before the 2nd Test.
Fascinatingly, Woakes is the highest wicket-taker in England Lions’ or England A’s history. For them with the red ball, Woakes has 40 wickets at an average of 22.32 in just 14 games.
Perfect prep before ENG vs IND 1st Test
For India, this is an ideal step-up before the first Test at Headingley on June 20. KL Rahul is expected to feature, and alongside him will be players vying for spots in the main squad, most notably Karun Nair and Jurel. With Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan set to join the main squad and unavailable for this game, Nair could continue to bat at number three, a slot where he smashed a superb double century in the previous FC game.
Jurel, too, has emerged as a strong contender for the middle-order wicketkeeping role, especially after impressing against spin and pace alike in Canterbury. Facing Woakes and Tongue will give the selectors a better measure of their readiness. KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran can all have some real test from June 6 in Northampton.
England Lions squad for 2nd unofficial Test vs India A
James Rew (capt & wk), Farhan Ahmed, Jordan Cox, Rocky Flintoff, Emilio Gay, Tom Haines, George Hill, Max Holden, Ben McKinney, Eddie Jack, Ajeet Singh Dale, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
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