The first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions concluded in a draw in Worcester on Monday, June 2nd, with several Indian batsmen utilizing the opportunity to gain crucial runs and confidence. After England Lions posted a formidable 587 in response to India A's first innings total of 557, the match meandered towards a predictable draw, but not before India A's top order capitalized on the batting-friendly conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young left-handed opener, set the tone with a quickfire 64 off just 60 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. His aggressive approach injected momentum into India A's innings and provided valuable time in the middle ahead of the second unofficial Test. Jaiswal's innings was a statement of intent, demonstrating his ability to take on the attack from the outset.
Captain Abhimanyu Easwaran also made a significant contribution, scoring 68 off 87 balls. Easwaran, known for his solid technique and temperament, matched Jaiswal stroke for stroke, also striking eight boundaries. The pair scored freely in the post-lunch session, capitalizing on a Lions' bowling attack that lacked penetration on a lifeless surface.
Dhruv Jurel, who had impressed with a composed 94 in the first innings, further solidified his credentials with an unbeaten 53 off 53 balls in the second dig. Jurel's sound technique and temperament have positioned him as a reliable batting option, and his ability to accelerate the scoring rate, as evidenced by his second innings knock, makes him a valuable asset. His knock included four boundaries. Jurel has showcased his growing maturity with the bat, producing twin fifties in the match.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, promoted to No. 4 by coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, also seized the opportunity, smashing 52 not out off just 47 deliveries. Reddy's innings was characterized by his aggressive intent, as he struck three sixes and played with freedom. His promotion suggests that he is being considered for a spot in the senior side, potentially in the first Test against England at Headingley later this summer. After an underwhelming Indian Premier League season, the quick-fire fifty would be a morale-booster for Reddy.
While the match ultimately ended in a draw, the batting performances of Jaiswal, Easwaran, Jurel, and Reddy provided valuable positives for India A. The top-order batsmen made the most of the batting-friendly conditions to get some much-needed time at the crease and score runs, which will undoubtedly boost their confidence ahead of the second unofficial Test in Northampton, starting June 6.
However, India A's bowling effort left plenty to be desired. The lack of assistance from the pitch played a part, but there was little threat posed to the Lions batters at any stage. A more revealing assessment of the bowlers' form will likely come in Northampton, where conditions are expected to be more conducive to seam and spin.
In related news, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are set to miss the second unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions to get some rest and recovery. The reliable batting duo is expected to depart for England on June 6 and hence, it's likely to miss the second unofficial Test, which starts the same day.
