With India A hosting Australia A in a two multi-day matches in Lucknow, the home side has been handed a massive setback as they will be without their skipper and key batter. Shreyas Iyer, who was part of the side in the first four-day match, held last week at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, is set to miss the second unofficial Test.
However, a reason behind his sudden departure from the side is not unknown, but it is likely that he will remain in contention for the upcoming series against West Indies. A source close to the development told TOI, “Yes, Shreyas is taking a break and has returned to Mumbai. He has informed the selectors that he won’t be able to play in the second four-day match against Australia A. However, he remains in fray
for a spot in the middle-order when the selectors meet to pick the squad for the West Indies series.
Dhruv Jurel to lead India A in second unofficial Test; KL Rahul - Md Siraj to join
In absence of Iyer, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who was named the deputy, will take over the reigns in the second unofficial Test, set to commence from Tuesday, September 23. While Iyer’s replacement hasn’t been named, but as per prior communication from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), KL Rahul and pacer Mohammed Siraj will join the side.
While Siraj replaces Khaleel Ahmed, a confirmation on who will KL Rahul is yet to come. Additionally, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who missed the first game as he recovers from a knee injury, is also set to miss the second Test while he races against time to get fit.
India A’s updated squad for second four-day game vs Australia A:
KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, N Jagadeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel (VC & WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Harsh Dubey, Ayush Badoni, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar, Yash Thakur.
