The IND vs ENG Test series, set to begin on June 20, 2025, is one of the most anticipated Test series for Indian cricket fans. As part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, this five-match series will see India take on England on their home soil. To prepare for this challenging tour, India A played a two-match series against England Lions in May and June 2025. Both matches ended in draws, but they offered valuable insights into India’s preparations for the IND vs ENG Test series.
- Karun Nair’s Comeback for IND vs ENG
The retirement of Virat Kohli has left a big gap at the No. 4 position for India. However, Karun Nair’s performance in the India A vs England Lions series suggests he could fill this role in the IND vs ENG Test series. Nair, who last played a Test in 2017, made a strong case with a brilliant double century (204 off 281 balls) in the first match in Canterbury.
Although his scores in the second match were modest (40 and 15), Nair’s experience and ability to play big innings make him a contender for the IND vs ENG squad. Depending on captain Shubman Gill’s batting position, Nair could slot in at No. 3, No. 4, or No. 5. His return adds depth to India’s batting lineup for the IND vs ENG series.
- Nitish Reddy Outshines Shardul Thakur
The India A vs England Lions series saw a battle between two all-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shardul Thakur. Reddy emerged as the stronger performer, making a case for inclusion in the IND vs ENG Test series. He scored 135 runs in four innings (7, 52, 34, and 42), including a half-century, and took two wickets in 26.5 overs.
In contrast, Shardul Thakur struggled with the ball, taking only two wickets in 43 overs. His batting contributions (27, 19, and 34) were decent but not enough to outshine Reddy. For the IND vs ENG series, India may prefer Reddy as a batting all-rounder, especially if they opt for three seamers and an extra batter. Thakur’s experience in England could still earn him a spot, but he may only play if Jasprit Bumrah is rested.
- Abhimanyu Easwaran’s Mixed Performance
Abhimanyu Easwaran, the India A captain, had a mixed outing in the series, raising questions about his place in the IND vs ENG Test squad. Across four innings, he scored 68, 8, 80, and 11, averaging 41.75 with two half-centuries. While these numbers are respectable, they may not be enough to secure a spot in the IND vs ENG Playing XI, especially with competition from players like Sai Sudharsan, who performed well in IPL 2025.
Easwaran’s domestic record is strong, but this was his first tour of England. If head coach Gautam Gambhir opts for experience, Easwaran could claim the No. 3 spot in the IND vs ENG Tests. However, his inconsistent scores leave his selection uncertain.
- KL Rahul Shines as Opener for IND vs ENG
KL Rahul emerged as a standout performer in the India A vs England Lions series, strengthening his case as an opener for the IND vs ENG Test series. After rain disrupted his practice in Mumbai, Rahul joined the India A squad for the second unofficial Test in Northampton. He made an immediate impact, scoring a century (116 off 168 balls) and a half-century, both as an opener.
Rahul’s past performances in England, including a century at Lord’s in 2021, show his ability to succeed in English conditions. With Rohit Sharma no longer in the Test squad, Rahul is a strong candidate to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the IND vs ENG series. His form and confidence from the India A matches make him a key player to watch in the IND vs ENG Tests.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Struggles in England
Yashasvi Jaiswal, a key player for the IND vs ENG Test series, had a disappointing outing in the India A vs England Lions series. His scores of 24, 64, 17, and 5 were below expectations, especially after his stellar 712 runs at an average of 89.00 against England in India in 2024. This was Jaiswal’s first tour of England, and the conditions seemed to challenge him.
While his form in the warm-up matches is not a major concern, Jaiswal will need to adapt quickly to English pitches for the IND vs ENG series. His aggressive style and ability to dominate bowlers make him a vital part of India’s batting lineup, but he must find consistency in the Tests.
- Dhruv Jurel’s Consistency Boosts IND vs ENG Hopes
Dhruv Jurel was the most consistent batter for India A, strengthening his case for the IND vs ENG Test series. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 94, 53, 52, and 28 across four innings, finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the series. His ability to play steady knocks under pressure makes him a strong backup for Rishabh Pant, India’s primary wicketkeeper.
While Jurel’s glove work needs improvement, his batting form could see him slot into the No. 5 position if players like Easwaran or Sudharsan are overlooked. Jurel’s performances in the India A vs England Lions series highlight his potential to contribute in the IND vs ENG Tests.
- Limited Bowling Practice for IND vs ENG
One surprising aspect of the India A vs England Lions series was the lack of game time for India’s bowlers. Of the eight bowlers in India’s Test squad, only Shardul Thakur got significant match practice. Akash Deep, a contender for the IND vs ENG Playing XI, did not bowl in the series, despite joining the squad in Northampton. Other bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, were not part of the India A squad.
This decision suggests that head coach Gautam Gambhir is keeping India’s bowling plans under wraps for the IND vs ENG series. The team will rely on a closed-door intra-squad match from June 13 to 16 to finalize their bowling combination. The lack of red-ball practice for key bowlers could be a concern as India prepares to face England’s strong batting lineup in the IND vs ENG Tests.
The India A vs England Lions series provided valuable insights into India’s preparations for the IND vs ENG Test series. KL Rahul’s form as an opener, Karun Nair’s comeback, and Dhruv Jurel’s consistency are positive signs for India. However, questions remain about Abhimanyu Easwaran’s selection, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form, and the bowling attack’s readiness.
With the first Test starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds, India will aim to build on their 4-1 victory over England in 2024. The IND vs ENG series promises exciting battles, and the performances in the India A vs England Lions series have set the stage for an intense contest.
FAQs About IND vs ENG Test Series
- When does the IND vs ENG Test series 2025 start?
The IND vs ENG Test series begins on June 20, 2025, with the first Test at Headingley, Leeds.
- Who are the key players to watch in the IND vs ENG series?
KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Nitish Kumar Reddy are key players to watch, based on their performances in the India A vs England Lions series.
- Why did India’s bowlers get limited practice in the India A vs England Lions series?
India’s coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir, chose to limit the bowlers’ game time to keep their strategies secret for the IND vs ENG Test series, with only Shardul Thakur getting significant match practice.
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