Some key members of India's senior Test squad may be sent ahead of schedule to South Africa to participate in a three-match 'shadow tour' featuring India 'A'. This tour is seen as a precursor to the crucial two-match Test series scheduled to commence on December 26.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has traditionally organized 'A' team tours to countries where the senior team is slated to play Test matches. However, after last year's Bangladesh series, the focus shifted solely to the ODI World Cup, leading to a hiatus in pathways cricket, including 'A' team tours and the U-19 series.
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In an effort to provide opportunities for domestic performers, there are plans for five or six 'A' games in the first-class format between December and January. The upcoming month will witness three 'Tests' (four-day games) against South Africa 'A', followed by an additional two to three matches against England Lions (England 'A') in January, leading up to India's five-match series against the senior English side.
An anonymous source within the BCCI told PTI, "Yes, there are three four-day Tests between India 'A' and South Africa 'A' next month. The team for that will be announced in some days. Most of the consistent young performers along with those (seniors) who need some game time before the two Test matches in Centurion (December 26 to 30) and Cape Town (January 3-7) will be there."
The potential inclusion of Test-discarded players like Jayant Yadav and Services off-spinner Pulkit Narang is also under consideration. Young pacers Vidwath Kaverappa, Kuldeep Sen, Harshit Rana, and Umran Malik, alongside experienced campaigners like Navdeep Saini, could form part of the bowling unit.
With Mayank Agarwal, the highest run-scorer in the last Ranji Trophy season, competing for attention with other talented batsmen like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, the article notes the anticipation surrounding potential squad selections and recalls.
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