The Indian cricket team is gearing up for its highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, commencing on June 20, 2025. As part of their preparations, a four-day intra-squad match was held at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham. The match, played between India and India A, provided a platform for players to fine-tune their skills and stake their claim for a spot in the playing XI.
One of the standout performers from the intra-squad game was Shardul Thakur, who slammed an unbeaten 122 for India A. Thakur's impressive innings has put him in contention for a place in the first Test against England. The all-rounder last played a Test for India in December 2023 against South Africa. In his Test career so far, Thakur has scored 331 runs and taken 31 wickets in 11 matches.
On Day 2, Sarfaraz Khan also made a strong statement, smashing a scintillating 101 off just 76 balls for India A. His innings included 15 fours and two sixes, demonstrating his aggressive intent and ability to dominate the bowlers. Despite not being named in India's official squad for the five-match series, the 27-year-old right-hander has continued to press his case through sheer performance. He also scored 92 in the first unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions in Canterbury. In six Test appearances for India so far, Sarfaraz has amassed 371 runs at an average of 37.10, including a memorable 150 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand last year.
On the first day, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had impressed with half-centuries for India.
While the batsmen shone, the Indian bowlers had a mixed outing. Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless and conceded runs at five per over, raising concerns about rhythm and readiness. Mohammed Siraj, though claiming two wickets, was expensive as well, leaking runs at over seven per over. Prasidh Krishna also picked up two wickets, while Nitish Kumar Reddy removed Abhimanyu Easwaran for 39.
The intra-squad match was called off midway through Day 3, even though it was scheduled to last until June 16.
The series against England marks the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket, with Shubman Gill leading the side.
