The England Lions and India A have pushed to each other to the limit so far in what has been a hectic tour for them with only last last Test remaining to be fought over, which would conclude the series.
With the action moving over to Mysore, the Test match provides ample opportunity for the youngsters on both sides to put forth their name in forthcoming series and sustain their challenge for a spot in the senior squad.
In the previous Test, England were pummeled by the likes of Priyank Panchal and Srikar Bharat as they had fight their way to a draw in Kerala. With the pitch offering some help for the faster bowlers, the English should be licking their lips as they seek to end a fairly disappointing tour on a high.
Squads to choose from:
India A:
Ankit Bawne, KL Rahul(C), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Priyank Panchal, Ricky Bhui, Siddhesh Lad, K.S. Bharat, Jalaj Saxena, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mayank Markande, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Varun Aaron
England Lions:
Sam Hain, Ben Duckett, Max Holden, Ollie Pope, Sam Billings(C), Steven Mullaney, Will Jacks, Jamie Porter, Tom Bailey, Zak Chappell, Lewis Gregory, Dom Bess, Matt Carter, Danny Briggs, Jamie Overton, Alex Davies
Playing XI Updates:
India A:
After a brilliant performance with the bat, India A should field a similar side again with KL Rahul standing in as captain for this game. This could mean Karun Nair's inclusion instead of Ankit Bawne, who was the captain in the previous game. Varun Aaron and Mayank Markande are also in the running for a place in the side with this being the final Test of the series.
Possible XI: Easwaran, Rahul(C&WK), Panchal, Nair, Bhui, Lad, Jalaj/Nadeem, Markande, Aaron, Thakur and Saini.
England Lions:
Fringe players are to get one last match in the tour, as the likes of Dom Bess and Alex Davies sat out the previous Test. Sam Hain should keep his place in the side while Ollie Pope and Sam Billings will once again be key to the fortunes of the England Lions.
Possible XI: Holden, Duckett, Hain, Pope, Billings(C), Davies(WK), Gregory, Bess, Chappell, Bailey/Porter and Briggs
Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:
Wicket-keeper: With Siddhesh Lad waiting on the sidelines, Srikar Bharat's inclusion in the side is hanging in the balance which leaves us with Sam Billings as the preferred option for the wicket-keeping slot. Billings has been the best batsmen for the England Lions this tour and is expected to come good on fairly good Mysore wicket.
Batsmen: KL Rahul finally found some form with a fifty in the first Test. With the extra responsibility of captain upon his shoulders, Rahul should bring in a heap of points for the fantasy side. Along with the likes of Karun Nair, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett, man-of-the-match in the first Test, Priyank Panchal is also an invaluable asset to the team. Sam Hain could also be a viable option to opt for instead of Pope or Duckett.
All-rounders: Jalaj Saxena and Lewis Gregory are the preferred options with their ability with both bat and ball crucial on a competitive Mysore wicket. Saxena is coming of a successful Ranji Trophy season and will be hoping to come good with another good performance in the second Test.
Bowlers: Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur's ability to swing the new ball will be crucial to India's fortunes and are good options to go along with. Zak Chappell was quite impressive in the first Test, picking three wickets and should be backed again along with Danny Briggs. With Markande in line to make an appearance in the test, he could well slot in for either of the two pacers as well.
Captain: KL Rahul and Sam Billings are the preferred options for captain with their kind of experience and form they bring into the match. Jalaj Saxena's all-round abilities cannot be ignored and can also be opted for in case of a more influential option.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Sam Billings(WK), Lokesh Rahul, Karun Nair, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Lewis Gregory, Jalaj Saxena, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Zak Chappell and Danny Briggs. Captain: KL Rahul
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Sam Billings(WK), Lokesh Rahul, Priyank Panchal, Ollie Pope, Sam Hain, Lewis Gregory, Dom Bess, Jalaj Saxena, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Markande and Zak Chappell. Captain: Sam Billings.
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