Pujara, Rahane Among the Test Specialists Likely for India A Against England Lions

[saik]

New Delhi: India's Test specialists are likely to be a part of the India A team that will take on England Lions in late January as BCCI prepares a road map for India's red-ball specialists for the coming year.
 

The fourth Test against Australia at Sydney which starts on January 3 will be the team's last red-ball assignment for six-months as the focus will turn to white-ball cricket in run up to the 2019 World Cup.

 

"The fast bowlers workload management is a different issue but in case of some of the Test specialists, we might play them against England Lions. England Lions are coming for a full series where they will play four day Tests as well as List A and T20 matches," a BCCI source was quoted as saying.

It is learnt that the selectors might look at Pujara, Rahane and Prithvi Shaw (expected to be fully fit by then) to play the longer format matches.

As of now, Pujara is expected to feature in the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals, starting January 15 with Saurashtra currently on topping their group with 25 points.

In case of Mumbai, the chances of qualification are bleak as they have only eight points from five games. Rahane, who is not a part of India's limited overs scheme of things will next play the Mushtaq Ali Trophy followed by IPL for Rajasthan Royals. Pujara has not been picked by any IPL franchise. 

India will next play the five-day format in July 2019 against the West Indies in a two-Test series as part of the World Test Championship.

 

https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/pujara-rahane-among-test-specialists-likely-to-play-for-india-a-against-england-lions-1981019.html

 

I  think this is unnecessary.They will be taking a slot away from a deserving candidate  who can be selected for India A .

 

[rkt.india]

Why rahane and pukara when so young players can play. These two are now test veterans. They don't need these games.

[Ankit_sharma03]

why whats the need specially when the games are to be played in India . I understood in NZ but why here 

Rahul, Shaw, mayank, gill, nair, vihari, anmolpreeet, shankar shud be playing 

 

If this happens it has to be one of the most bizarre decisions 

[Forever Indian]

Pujara is a veteran an run machine in India, so no need of him playing. Rahane playing is good, bcos his weakness is playing in India and spin, so getting as much game time is important given he will play in home tests as well.

[express bowling]

Yeah ...  let's play A-team series and block most spots with test players.

[GolGappe]

I completely disagree with using India-A platform to give match-practice to senior players. They did they same chutiyapanti when India A went to NZ A.

 

India A series serve a specific purpose. They shouldn't be used to make-up for piss poor planning and lack of first-class games opportunities for senior players.