All Out Test Specialist Will be in England in June - Vinod Rai

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai today said Test specialists would land in England in June as a part of Rahul Dravid coached India A side.

Meanwhile, India A will play some first-class games against County sides as well as England Lions (A) side.

The Virat Kohli-led Indian side will play a five-match Test series in England starting in August.

Kohli, who believes this as his biggest Test will play for Surrey in June to prepare for the series.

While Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma will be playing for Yorkshire and Sussex, respectively from the start of the County season.

However, BCCI admitted they are not taking Afghanistan Team likely and will field a competitive team. India will play a one-off historic Test against Afghanistan in Bengaluru on June 14.

“We are looking at the bigger picture, and we have had discussions with our core think tank — skipper Virat, coach Ravi (Shastri), India A coach Rahul and GM (Cricket Operations) Saba Karim and chairman of selectors MSK Prasad. The general consensus has been preparation for England Test series,” Rai told PTI

Rai also informed that India cricketers would travel to England in two batches. However, he couldn’t confirm the number of players, who will leave early with India A side.

“It is important to play red ball cricket in England in June as the entire July will be the limited overs series (three ODIs and 3 T20 Internationals). So in June, they play red ball cricket, switch to white ball in July, and then the Test series starts in August,” he added.

Vinod Rai also confirmed either Ajinkya Rahane or Rohit Sharma would lead India in Afghanistan Test.

However, Rai was impressed that the players understood what they need to do to put up a good show in England.

“Virat himself was first to come to me and say that he wanted to play county cricket. And talking to the players, we understood how badly they want to do well in England. Also, this Afghanistan Test will also give us a chance to create a three-tier national team — all of same standard and ability. A few younger players will get a chance to play Test cricket,” Rai concluded.

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