India’s preparations for the highly anticipated five-match Test series against England in June are set to include a crucial build-up with two four-day matches against the Lions. These encounters, scheduled between May 30 and June 13, will see several key Indian players featuring in the India ‘A’ squad, providing them with valuable match practice before the main series begins at Headingley on June 20.
The last time India won a Test series in England was back in 2007, making this a significant opportunity to break the long-standing drought. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the first four-day match will take place at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury, starting May 30, followed by the second match at the County Ground in Northampton from June 6.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Lauds Ashutosh Sharma’s Heroics In IPL 2025 Thriller
These matches will not only help the Indian contingent adapt to English conditions but also serve as a platform for fringe players to push for a spot in the senior team. As the IPL 2025 wraps up on May 25, the selectors will have a clear window to finalize the India ‘A’ squad. Among the top contenders is Karun Nair, who has had an outstanding domestic season.
Some of India’s frontline players are likely to be part of the ‘A’ squad which will face the Lions in two four-day matches during the May-June window in preparation for the five-match Test series against England.https://t.co/662dIHnklW
— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) March 25, 2025
Karun Nair finished as the leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the fourth-highest in the Ranji Trophy, amassing 863 runs with four centuries and two fifties. His form played a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s third Ranji Trophy triumph, and he is expected to be a key figure on this England tour.
ALSO READ: Glenn Phillips Reveals Shubman Gill’s Witty Banter Over “MRF Bat Curse”
While Rohit Sharma is likely to lead the senior side despite recent setbacks in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia, the focus will also be on the fitness of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. The ace fast bowler, who suffered a back injury during the Australian tour, remains doubtful for the initial phase of IPL 2025, representing the Mumbai Indians.
His recovery will be closely monitored, as his availability could be a game-changer for India’s campaign in England. With an eye on ending their 18-year wait for a Test series win in England, Team India’s preparation through these warm-up matches could prove decisive.
