The second unofficial Test between India A and the England Lions begins on June 6 at Northampton, as both sides gear up for crucial red-ball preparation ahead of the main Test series.
After a run-filled draw in the first match, both teams are expected to rotate players, giving others valuable game time while testing different combinations.
India A will be strengthened by the return of senior batter KL Rahul, who is eyeing full fitness and rhythm ahead of the marquee Test series against England. Meanwhile, England Lions have added Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue to keep the intensity high.
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India A vs. England Lions: Head-to-head record in first-class fixtures
The first unofficial Test ended in a high-scoring draw, with England Lions posting 587 in reply to India A’s 557, setting the tone for another competitive contest in Northampton this time out.
Here is the table for last five head-to-head meetings between England Lions and India A to help you decide how to bet on this one.
India A vs. England Lions — Last five matches:
- India A Wins: 3
- England Lions Wins: 0
- Tie/No Result: 2 (both draws)
Top players to watch: Batters & Bowlers
Batters (Most recent stats)
Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
Tom Haines | Lions | 3 | 329 | 65.8 | 69.4 |
Karun Nair | India A | 6 | 374 | 62.33 | 73.91 |
Bowlers (Most recent stats)
Player | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Strike Rate |
Josh Hull | Lions | 2 | 8 | 4.01 | 32.37 |
Akash Deep | India A | 4 | 20 | 2.95 | 38.6 |
All statistics via ESPNcricinfo
India A vs. England Lions betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, India A enters as the heavy favorites based on current form and depth in both departments. The addition of KL Rahul gives the batting order a strong anchor, while Karun Nair’s red-hot form is another massive boost for India.
On the other hand, England Lions cannot be underestimated particularly with Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue adding firepower to their bowling.
Odds* | |
| India A | 1.27 |
England Lions | 3.65 |
* Odds correct at time of publish but subject to change
India A vs. England Lions: Expected playing XIs and team news
India A expected (XI)
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Tanush Kotian, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Kumar
Team News: KL Rahul is set to make his red-ball return for India A. With Gill and Sudharsan unavailable due to IPL commitments, India A could see Rahul bat in the top order, alongside in-form names like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair. Akash Deep is also likely to feature.
England Lions expected (XI)
- Tom Haines, Ben McKinney, Emilio Gay, Max Holden, James Rew (wk&c), Dan Mousley, Rehan Ahmed, Zaman Akhter, Eddie Jack, Josh Hull, Ajeet Singh Dale
Team News: England Lions have strengthened their squad with senior pacers Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue for the second test. The Lions' camp also faces setbacks with Gus Atkinson ruled out due to a hamstring injury, adding to the absence of Mark Wood (knee) and the likely unavailability of Jofra Archer (thumb) for the early part of the senior Test series.