BCCI set to send few Test players to England ahead of the Test series

BCCI along with the Indian team management was heavily criticized after it was learned that they had denied the opportunity to arrive South Africa few days prior to the first Test. India had refused to play the practice games as well ahead of the first match. India eventually lost the series when they lost the first two Tests. They bounced back in the final Test and earned some respite although that led to further criticism from former players along with the fans.

India coach Ravi Shastri too had mentioned that If the side was in South Africa few days ahead of the first game, the results could’ve been different. Taking the cue from the earlier saga, the BCCI as per the reports is planning to send few of the Test players to England before the Test series starts.

Few players to represent India A?

Interestingly, India will first play 3-match T20 and ODI series and then the Tests series will commence. According to the TOI reports, few of the players might play for India A under Rahul Dravid for better preparations and understanding of the conditions in England.

As per the report, the likes of Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ishant Sharma can play a game or two for India A before the start of the Test series. The mentioned players are not in the scheme of selectors for the limited over matches. Likes of Ashwin and Jadeja, the regulars in the coloured clothing for India have been replaced by duo wrist spinners in the form of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.

The T20I series will start on 3rd July while the ODIs will be played from July 12. There will be a two-week gap between the final ODI and first Test of the 5-match Test series. The first Test will be played on 1st August.

The Indian side will be eager to change their fortunes overseas and the step by the board might help the team to achieve their goal.