Three half-centuries and all-rounder shines with ball: Here's what happened in India's intra-squad match in England

The Indian team is gearing up for the five-Test series in England with an intra-squad game. While few players had already played in the India A matches against England Lions, others needed game time to acclimitise to the conditions. On Day 1, as many as three batters scored half-centuries in Beckenham.

While the match was being played behind closed doors, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared highlights of Day 1's play. Openers KL Rahul, captain Shubman Gill and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja scored their respective half-centuries. In the photos shared by the BCCI, Rahul can be seen playing an elegant cover drive. Also, Shardul Thakur was seen celebrating as he was among wickets.

The concern for India is opener Yashasvi Jaiswal's form in England. He was in fine touch during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for Rajasthan Royals (RR). In the four innings for India A, he registered scores of 24, 64, 17 and 5. This is Jaiswal's first England tour with the senior side.

Thakur versus Reddy for fast-bowling all-rounder spot

Meanwhile, Thakur is pushing his case for the spot for fast-bowling all-rounder in the team. He was not at his best for India A registering scores of 27, 19 and 34. He took two wickets in the first game and remained wicketless in the second. On the other hand, Reddy registered scores of 7, 52, 34 and 42. He took one wicket each in both games.

ALSO READ: MCC makes major changes to law on boundary catches which will make a few spectacular fielding efforts illegal

Minute's silence observed for Ahmedabad plane crash victims

Before the game, players and staff observed a minute's silence for the victims of the tragic airplane crash in Ahmedabad which led to deaths of 274 people. They were also seen wearing black armbands to express their solidarity with the victims and their families.

Gambhir back home

Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir was not seen with the squad. The former India opener returned home due to medical emergency in the family.

India's record in Headingley

India will play England at Headingley, Leeds, in the series opener. India have played seven Tests against England at the venue. India have won two, drawn one and lost four in Headingley. Their last Headingley clash was in 2021. India were bowled out for 78 and 278 as they lost the Test by an innings and 76 runs.