With an aim to create a solid bench strength, Rahul Dravid-coached India ‘A’ would take on Australia ‘A’ in the first unofficial Test of the two-match series, starting on Wednesday.
Just after taking charge of the ‘A’ team, Dravid has laid emphasis on the bowlers’ ability to take 20 wickets and batsmen intent to stay longer period of time at the wicket.
India ‘A’ will be lead by top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who will be eager to return among runs and earn his place back in the senior Test side.
The Indian team has mixture of experienced and young players, who would be looking to make a mark for themselves.
Apart from Pujara, it would be an ideal platform for the likes of K l Rahul, Abhinav Mukund and spinners Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha to prove their worth, while new ball bowler Umesh Yadav would be hoping to cement their places in the senior side after having struggled in the recent tours.
Going by the strengths, India has a balanced side. The top-order looks solid and pace attack has variety in the form of Yadav and Abhimanyu Mithun.
The spin department will be spearheaded by leg-spinner Mishra in the company of left-arm spinner Ojha.
On the batting front, Rahul, in particular would be itching to make runs against a formidable Australian bowling attack, especially after having missed the Bangladesh tour due to illness.
Besides them players like Mukund, Vijay Shankar and Baba Aparajith who have shown potential in domestic matches, would like to translate that at the international stage.
Shankar, in fact, is the only all-rounder in the team and would be keenly observed.
Aaron out with fever
India ‘A’ were dealt with a blow as pace spearhead Varun Aaron is ruled out.
Asked about his preferred first XI combination, Pujara intimated about Aaron’s unavailability. “I do not want to disclose the combination of the playing XI. Overall, if you see, Chennai wicket is always good for batting. What we need is a true wicket, where there is enough contest between bat and ball. However, Varun Aaron has viral fever and he is ruled out of the first ‘Test’ match.”