India A to play three four-day games against Lions ahead of England Tests

India A team will play three four-day games against England Lions in the lead-up to the five-match series against England, starting in June. The Indian Test team has been facing flak due to their recent performances in the series against New Zealand and Australia. Their next assignment will be another challenge for the batters who have not enjoyed a great run in the longest format. The five-match series will begin from June 20 after the completion of IPL 2025.

This will also be the team’s first series in the new WTC cycle (2025-27). India will have a point to prove after the disastrous end to 2024 season as they missed what would have been their third consecutive WTC final, which will now be contested between Australia and South Africa at Lord's from June 11.

The other factor that has has been widely debated is the lack of Indian players' participation in red-ball cricket outside of international matches. In that light, the four-day matches against the England Lions will only assist the players to prepare for the marquee series. The move will not only help the selectors to test new talents but also give India's struggling seniors a chance to find some form.

Meanwhile, the Indian team is currently focused on preparing for the home series against England, as they will play five T20Is and three ODIs against the Three Lions from January 22. This will be the last series for the team ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan and UAE and will begin from February 19.

After the ICC event there will be a bit of a break from international cricket with the Indian Premier League also set to start from March 21 and will go until May 25. The India A side will be playing the England Lions after the T20 franchise league.