IND A vs ENG Lions Live: India set to test bench strength in English conditions

The England Lions, led by 21-year-old James Rew, are looking to test their bench ahead of the India series.

Rew is in top form, averaging 55 in this year’s County Championship. Spinner Rehan Ahmed and veteran Chris Woakes, both part of England’s senior setup, will use this match to find rhythm. T

he English camp is also monitoring Jordan Cox’s recovery after an abdominal injury.

With India expected to challenge them across five Tests, England’s depth players getting competitive exposure is crucial. This four-day fixture is not just a warm-up — it’s a key assessment ground for England’s emerging red-ball talent.

Dhruv Jurel, now a part of the senior Test squad, and Sarfaraz Khan, who narrowly missed out, will be closely watched.

Jurel’s wicketkeeping and counter-attacking style give him an edge if a backup is needed. Sarfaraz, despite consistent domestic runs, must wait for his chance and stay match-ready.

Players like Ishan Kishan, Harshit Rana and Tanush Kotian also aim to leave an impression. Kotian, now stepping in after Ashwin’s retirement, brings off-spin and batting depth.

For all of them, this Lions series serves not just as exposure but as a rehearsal for possible mid-series call-ups or future tours.

Nitish Reddy’s performances in the Australia series — 298 runs and a century — earned him a place in both the India A and senior squads. But the presence of Shardul Thakur, also an all-rounder, suggests the selectors are still evaluating their options. Thakur brings bowling versatility and lower-order firepower, while Reddy offers a more balanced approach.

The unofficial Test will be a battleground for both players to push their case.

Reddy’s challenge is to outperform Thakur with both bat and ball, while maintaining his composure under English conditions, which demand strong technique and temperament from young and aspiring Test cricketers.

Karun Nair returns to the India A setup after eight years, riding on an exceptional domestic season.

With experience playing in English conditions for Northamptonshire, Karun has the tools to solidify a middle-order spot. His inclusion hints at India’s interest in blending experience with form ahead of the England Test series.

The absence of Virat Kohli opens up a middle-order vacancy, and Karun's ability to play long innings could be pivotal. This series offers him a vital audition, and a few commanding knocks could catapult him back into contention for a permanent place in the senior Test side.

With Rohit Sharma’s retirement and Virat Kohli's absence, Team India is searching for a reliable top-order option.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, a consistent performer in domestic cricket, could finally earn his spot. The Bengal opener, boasting 101 First-Class appearances, has long been on the selectors’ radar.

This unofficial Test against England Lions is a chance to prove his readiness, either as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal or at No. 3. If selectors opt for KL Rahul at the top, Easwaran’s compact technique could make him a dependable No. 3, allowing Shubman Gill to shift down to the crucial No. 4 slot.