KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel drafted into India A team for 2nd unofficial Test against Australia A

Wicketkeeper-batters KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel will leave for Australia earlier than the main squad to partake in the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A. The pair only made sporadic appearances in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand, and the first-class game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) could be beneficial ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Rahul played the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru but had to make way for Shubman Gill for the remainder of the series as Sarfaraz Khan claimed the middle-order spot.

Jurel has been the backup wicketkeeper since Rishabh Pant's return and did not avail a single chance in the home season. He donned the gloves in the latter stages of the first Test when Rishabh Pant sustained a blow to his knee.

India A recorded a seven-wicket loss in the first unofficial Test against Australia A in Mackay. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side were skittled out for 107 in the first innings, before mounting a fight back the second time. However, the Nathan McSweeney-led side recorded a comfortable win to claim a 1-0 lead.

The clash against Australia A will be the only game-time Rahul and Jurel will avail ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series. The Men in Blue were scheduled to play an intra-squad contest, but it was canceled as the management has opted for match simulation and net sessions on the center wicket in Perth.

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Second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A to begin from November 7 onwards

According to a report by the Indian Express, the BCCI plans on sending both Rahul and Jurel to Australia by Tuesday morning (November 5). The match is scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 7.

The India A largely comprises second-string players but includes two players who will join the main squad ahead of the series. Abhimanyu Easwaran has a huge role as the reserve opener amid Rohit Sharma's unavailability for the early stages of the series.

Nitish Kumar Reddy could also play a role with his all-round abilities in his maiden red-ball tour.