Ind A vs Eng Lions, 1st unofficial Test: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 7th, 2019
The so-called 'Golden Generation' of India have been at it for the past few years with both the senior and junior teams accounting for top quality teams in the build up to the World Cup and the Test Championship.
After beating the England Lions in the ODI series, an upbeat India A take on the tourists in the first of two unofficial Tests being held in Wayanad, Kerala. A number of fresh faces have made the side for both teams, who are looking to promote young talent and help them transition into world beaters. The Test series should serve both India and England good with quality cricket expected throughout the series.
Squads to choose from
India A:
Ankit Bawne (C), KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Priyank Panchal, Ricky Bhui, Siddhesh Lad, K.S. Bharat (WK), Jalaj Saxena, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mayank Markande, Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Varun Aaron
England Lions:
Sam Hain, Ben Duckett, Max Holden, Ollie Pope, Sam Billings, Steven Mullaney, Will Jacks, Jamie Porter, Tom Bailey, Zak Chappell, Lewis Gregory, Dom Bess, Matt Carter, Danny Briggs, Jamie Overton, Alex Davies
Playing XI Updates
India A:
KL Rahul should open the batting alongside Easwaran with the former looking to make a comeback into the Indian side after a disastrous tour of Australia.
Varun Aaron returns to the fold after a decent Ranji Trophy campaign. Ankit Bawne and Priyank Panchal have done well for Maharashtra and Gujarat respectively and will be crucial in their plight to get one over the England Lions.
Possible XI: Rahul, Easwaran, Panchal, Bawne(C), Bharat(WK), Lad, Jalaj, Nadeem, Markande, Avesh Khan/Thakur and Saini.
England Lions:
The England Lions were sub-par in the practice match against the BP XI even though it doesn't hold much in the context of the match on Thursday.
Sam Hain and Max Holden should open the batting for the English as Sam Billings will lead the Lions once again, this time in the whites. Spin will likely play a huge part in the match which should imply the inclusion of Bess and Briggs.
Possible XI: Hain, Holden, Duckett, Pope, Billings(WK&C), Mullaney/Jacks, Gregory, Bess, Briggs, Porter and Overton.
Fantasy Tips and Suggestions
Wicket-keeper: Both Bharat and Billings have had good domestic seasons for Andhra and Kent respectively, and will be good options for the team depending on the balance of the squad. Billings should get the nod with his prior experience in the international circuit and ability to play spin.
Batsmen: KL Rahul and Ankit Bawne are India A's best bets for a big score and are must haves in the side as well. Ollie Pope is another quality player who is highly rated by many to succeed after a highly productive stint with Surrey last year. Along with the likes of Lad and Hain, Pope should be an able selection.
All-rounders: Jalaj Saxena is back playing at his Ranji home ground in Kerala with the all-rounder's efforts in the tournament being rewarded with a spot in the side. Along with Dominic Bess, Saxena should slot in the side with minimum fuss.
Bowlers: Jamie Porter, Mayank Markande and Danny Briggs are the ideal set of bowlers to back for the first unofficial Test. Shardul Thakur is also a good option to go with instead of any batsmen depending on the balance of the squad.
Captain: KL Rahul is currently trying to make amends for his failures on and off the field right now and a good showing in this est series could do his hopes of making it to the World Cup a world of good. He is one of the few contenders along with Jalaj Saxena and Sam Billings.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Sam Billings (WK), Siddhesh Lad, Ankit Bawne, KL Rahul, Sam Hain, Ollie Pope, Jalaj Saxena, Dom Bess, Jamie Porter, Mayank Markande and Danny Briggs. Captain: KL Rahul.
Fantasy Suggestion #2: K.S Bharat(WK), Priyank Panchal, Lokesh Rahul, Sam Hain, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Jalaj Saxena, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Markande, Danny Briggs and Jamie Overton. Captain: Jalaj Saxena