Cricket

India A vs England Lions 2024

Rinku Singh. the left-handed explosive batter was earlier named in the Indian squad for the 3rd unofficial Test but will now also feature in the second game.

20240123T041446853Z365250.jpg

Indian star batter with T20I strike rate of 176.23 included in Indian squad, ready to take red-ball cricket by storm

India A witnessed a spectacular performance from <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/playerstats/cricket/rajat-patidar-cricket-india">Rajat Patidar</a> on Day 2 of their first unofficial Test against England Lions at the Narendra Modi Stadium Ground A in Ahmedabad on Thursday, January 18. As the rest of the batting lineup badly struggled, including captain <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/playerstats/cricket/abhimanyu-easwaran-cricket-india">Abhimanyu Easwaran</a>, Patidar emerged as the solitary beacon, scoring a stunning century.&nbsp;<h3>Rajat Patidar comes to India A's rescue</h3>&nbsp;India A found themselves in a precarious situation at 95/7, following a batting collapse, especially after England Lions set a formidable score of 553/8. Openers Abhimanyu Easwaran and B Sai Sudharsan scored only 4 and 0, respectively, while Sarfaraz Khan and Pradosh Ranjan Paul made minimal contributions. KS Bharat, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and a member of the 16-man Test squad for the first two matches of the upcoming five-match series against England, continued his underwhelming performance, getting out for just 15.&nbsp;However, Rajat Patidar stood out remarkably, reaching his century in just 94 deliveries. He celebrated his hundred with a spectacular six. The Royal Challengers Bangalore player increased his aggression after the milestone, realising the need to score rapidly as he was losing partners.&nbsp;In the concluding session, Rajat Patidar delivered an explosive performance, scoring 140 runs off just 132 balls, including 18 fours and 5 sixes. By the end of Day 2, India A stood at 215 for 8, still lagging behind England Lions by 338 runs. Patidar's recent months have been remarkable, especially considering he was sidelined for most of 2023 due to an Achilles heel injury. He received his inaugural call-up to the Indian ODI team for a series against South Africa in October 2022 but didn't get a chance to play. Although he was selected for the ODI squad for the South Africa tour in 2023, he was unable to participate due to the high level of competition. This innings marked Patidar's 12th century in First-Class cricket and his third in 12 innings for India A. Notably, Patidar scored 111 in a practice match against England Lions just last week.&nbsp;On the first day of play, the England Lions unleashed a batting onslaught reminiscent of 'Bazball' against India A. Led by opening batsman Keaton Jennings, the team executed a batting clinic, piling up a massive 382 runs for only three wickets in just 82 overs. Jennings, who hadn't featured in a Test match for England in almost five years, played a particularly aggressive innings, smashing 154 runs from 188 deliveries, which included 20 boundaries and two sixes.Rajat Patidar's innings set a dominant tone for the day. Jennings was instrumental in forming substantial partnerships, including a 157-run opening stand with Alex Lees, who contributed a quick 73 runs from 91 balls, followed by a 127-run partnership with captain Josh Bohanon, who was not out on 93 from 140 balls at the close of play. The England Lions' batting approach was marked by an aggressive strategy that left the Indian bowlers, both pacers and spinners, struggling to counter. The England Lions maintained their aggressive play and eventually declared at 553/8 after 118 overs.&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/it-was-not-communicated-afghanistan-coach-jonathan-trott-super-over-rules-imbroglio-ind-vs-afg-3rd-t20i">'It was not communicated...': Afghanistan coach whines over Super Over rules imbroglio sparked during IND vs AFG 3rd T20I</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/virat-kohli-wins-fielder-of-the-series-medal-in-dressing-room-bts-following-t-dilip-ind-vs-afg">WATCH: Virat Kohli's reaction is pure gold after winning 'Fielder of the series medal' in dressing room BTS</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/new-zealand-hamish-rutherford-announces-retirement-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-otago-super-smash">New Zealand star with 16,468 runs announces sudden retirement ahead of T20 World Cup, draws curtain on 16-yr-long career</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/india-vs-pakistan-t20-world-cup-2024-match-nassau-county-stadium">Venue revealed for India vs Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 group stage match to be held on June 9</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/afghanistan-appoint-shane-mcdermott-as-fielding-coach-after-t20i-series-whitewash-against-india">Afghanistan appoint ex-Aussie cricketer as fielding coach after T20I series whitewash against India</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/rahul-dravid-gives-lengthy-explanation-on-heated-exchange-between-rohit-sharma-and-mohammad-nabi-india-afghanistan-3rd-t20i-double-super-over">Rahul Dravid gives lengthy explanation on heated exchange between Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Nabi, sheds light on not 'crossing the line'</a><a target="_blank" href="https://thesportstak.com/tennis-news/australian-open-2024-alexander-zverev-casper-ruud-move-to-round-3-after-win-over-lukas-klein-max-purcell-in-round-2">Australian Open 2024: Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud move to round 3 after win over Lukas Klein, Max Purcell in round 2</a><a target="_blank" href="https://thesportstak.com/cricket-news/ive-been-practicing-that-shot-a-lot-rohit-sharma-sheds-lights-on-how-he-unleashed-2-magical-shots-vs-afghanistan">‘I've been practicing that shot a lot’: Rohit Sharma sheds lights on how he unleashed 2 magical shots against Afghanistan</a>

Rajat Patidar continued to shine with the bat as he clobbered a scintillating century for India A on Day 2 of the first unofficial Test against England Lions.

india-a-vs-england-lions-17-jan-2024

Virat Kohli's teammate whacks gutsy 140 to rescue India from 95/7 against England Lions in 1st unofficial Test

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on January 23 added <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/playerstats/cricket/rinku-singh-cricket-india">Rinku Singh </a>to <a target="_blank" href="https://thesportstak.com/cricket-news/bcci-bolsters-india-a-squad-includes-rinku-singh-tilak-varma-in-14-member-roster-for-2nd-and-3rd-test-against-england-lions">India A's squad for the upcoming second unofficial Test against the England Lions</a>. Earlier, the left-handed explosive batter was named in the Indian squad for the 3rd unofficial Test but will now also feature in the second game. The second unofficial test between India A and England Lions will begin on January 24.India ‘A’ squad for the 2nd multi-day match: Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Vidwath Kaverappa, Upendra Yadav, Akash Deep, Yash Dayal, Rinku SinghIn an earlier release, the BCCI had added Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh for the second and third unofficial Tests against the England Lions. What is important to note is that Rinku was named in the squad for the 3rd game while Tilak was named in the squad for both matches.The addition of these two players strengthens the India A lineup. This change is part of a strategic move to enhance the team's batting depth and versatility.The first unofficial Test saw the England Lions dominate with a strong batting display, declaring at an imposing 553/8. Keaton Jennings' impressive 154 laid a solid foundation for the Lions. In response, India A struggled, with Rajat Patidar's valiant 151 off 158 balls being a standout performance. Despite his efforts, India A faced a substantial deficit, and the England Lions set a challenging target of 490 runs for victory.In a closely contested match, India A concluded Day 4 with a draw, reaching 426/5, bolstered by KS Bharat's solid century. Sai Sudharsan had contributed a commendable 97 runs. Sarfaraz Khan also added a brisk 50 to the team's tally. By the end of the day, KS Bharat and MJ Suthar were not out, standing at 116 runs off 165 balls and 89 runs off 254 balls, respectively.&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/exclusive-womens-premier-league-2024-wpl-season-2-schedule-announced-22-matches-to-be-played-across-2-venues-bengaluru-delhi">EXCLUSIVE | WPL 2024 schedule announced, 22 matches to be played across 2 venues; check complete details here</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/others-news/top-10-trending-news-sports-stories-news-on-january-23-tuesday-womens-premier-league-wpl-2024-schedule-virat-kohli-replacement-india-england-tests-afc-asian-cup">Sports News, January 23: WPL 2024 schedule revealed, Virat Kohli's replacement to be announced soon and more; a look at today's top 10 trending sports stories</a>

In a closely contested match, India A concluded Day 4 with a draw, reaching 426/5, bolstered by <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/playerstats/cricket/kona-srikar-bharat-cricket-india">KS Bharat</a>'s solid century. Earlier in the innings, <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/playerstats/cricket/sai-sudharsan-cricket-india">Sai Sudharsan</a> had contributed a commendable 97 runs. Sarfaraz Khan also added a brisk 50 to the team's tally. By the end of the day, KS Bharat and MJ Suthar were not out, standing at 116 off 165 and 89 off 254, respectively.&nbsp;Facing a challenging target of 489 runs set by England Lions for victory, India A initially stumbled to 6/2 with the early losses of Abhimanyu Easwaran and Rajat Patidar. However, Sarfaraz Khan’s quick 55 off 67 balls, alongside B Sai Sudharsan's unbeaten 53, spearheaded India’s comeback. Pradosh Ranjan Paul also contributed a rapid 43 runs. At the close of Day 4, India A was positioned at 159/4, requiring another 331 runs to win in the first unofficial Test in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;England earlier established a formidable target of 489 runs by declaring at 553/8 in their first innings and 163/6 in the second. In contrast, India were dismissed for 227 in their first innings. The standout performance for India came from Rajat Patidar, who scored an impressive 151 off 158 balls in the first innings. For England, Keaton Jennings and captain Josh Bohannon each hit centuries in their first innings, with Jennings notching up 154 runs and Bohannon contributing 125 runs.&nbsp;Notably, Bharat had an average of just 14.25 in five innings, amassing a total of 57 runs across the first three Test matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. With KL Rahul, KS Bharat, and Dhruv Jurel all vying for the wicketkeeper's position in the upcoming India vs England Test in Hyderabad, there's intense competition for this role. This scenario underscores the significance of every chance Bharat has to bat, as each performance is crucial in asserting his place in the team.&nbsp;Notably, India A and England Lions will lock horns with each other for the second unofficial Test from January 24 to January 27. Meanwhile, the third unofficial Test will be played from January 1-4.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, India A bolstered its squad by adding Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh for the second and third unofficial Tests against the England Lions. Both players are transitioning from their recent involvement in the T20I series against Afghanistan, bringing fresh energy and form into the longer format of the game.&nbsp;India A squad for the 2nd Test: Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Tilak Varma, Kumar Kushagra, Washington Sundar, Sourabh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Vidwath Kaverappa, Upendra Yadav, Akash Deep, Yash Dayal.&nbsp;India A squad for the 3rd Test: Abhimanyu Easwaran (Captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Kumar Kushagra, Washington Sundar, Shams Mulani, Arshdeep Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Vidwath Kaverappa, Upendra Yadav, Akash Deep, Yash Dayal.&nbsp;MORE ON SPORTS TAK:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/sachin-tendulkar-list-of-15-indian-cricket-icons-invited-for-ram-temple-pran-pratishtha-ceremony-virat-kohli">Updated list of 15 Indian cricket icons invited for Ram temple 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony; check all the names here</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/ravindra-jadeja-is-not-murali-or-warne-kevin-pietersen-india-vs-england-test-series">‘Jadeja is not Murali or Warne...': England legend's stinging remark hypes up India vs England Test series drama</a><a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/tennis-news/iga-swiatek-knocked-out-of-australian-open-2024-shocking-defeat-linda-noskova">Big Upset: World no.1 knocked out of Australian Open 2024 after facing shocking defeat against unseeded teenager</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://more%20on%20sports%20tak:%20%20%20Celebrated%20Pakistan%20captain%20takes%20bizarre%20step%20out%20of%20'disheartenment%20and%20hopelessness%20about%20future',%20leaves%20country%20and%20moves%20to%20England%20-%20Reports%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20%20Amidst%20separation%20rumours%20with%20Sania%20Mirza,%20Shoaib%20Malik%20confirms%20marriage%20with%20Pakistan%20actor%20Sana%20Javed;%20netizens%20react%20hilariously%20Is%20Sania%20Mirza%20divorced%20from%20Shoaib%20Malik/?%20Indian%20tennis%20legend%27s%20family%20answers%20the%20burning%20question">Celebrated Pakistan captain takes bizarre step out of 'disheartenment and hopelessness about future', leaves country and moves to England - Reports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a target="_blank" href="https://m.thesportstak.com/cricket-news/shoaib-malik-confirms-marriage-with-pakistan-actor-sana-javed-amidst-separation-rumours-with-sania-mirza-fans-react">Amidst separation rumours with Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik confirms marriage with Pakistan actor Sana Javed; netizens react hilariously</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://is%20sania%20mirza%20divorced%20from%20shoaib%20malik/?%20Indian%20tennis%20legend%27s%20family%20answers%20the%20burning%20question">Is Sania Mirza divorced from Shoaib Malik? Indian tennis legend's family answers the burning question</a>

KS Bharat's robust knock of 116 runs from 165 balls went in vain as the first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions ended in a draw.

KS Bharat's century ahead of England Test series eases Rohit Sharma's tension, but India A fall short against ENG Lions to play draw

IND A vs ENG LIONS

IND vs WI, 5th T20I

Dynamic Banner

Duleep Trophy, 2026

Pakistan tour of England, 2026

Women's Asia Cup T20, 2026

India tour of Afghanistan, 2026

Asian Games Men’s T20I, 2026

Asian Games Women's Cricket Competition, 2026

South Africa and Zimbabwe tour of Namibia, 2026

ACC Men's Premier Cup, 2026

Australia tour of Zimbabwe, 2026

Afghanistan and Bangladesh tour of UAE, 2026

India tour of Japan, 2026

Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan, 2026

South Africa tour of Namibia, 2026

Zimbabwe Women tour of India, 2026

West Indies tour of India, 2026

Australia tour of South Africa, 2026

Sri Lanka tour of England, 2026

Featured League

Insights

Editor's Choice

The fifth T20I between India and West Indies was abandoned due to persistent rain at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on October 17

Persistent rain saw the fifth T20I between India and West Indies getting washed out

With this the five-match series ended in a 2-2 draw

India's Tilak Varma (L) and West Indies' Keemo Paul in this frame. (Getty)

Bengaluru rain abandons IND vs WI 5th T20I as series ends in 2-2 draw

Bhuvneshwar Kumar finally returned to India's playing XI in the fifth T20I against West Indies. Bhuvneshwar got to wear India jersey after an exile of 1425 days

Bhuvneshwar Kumar walked into India's playing XI for the fifth T20I vs West Indies

This was Bhuvneshwar Kumar's first appearance for India after a long gap of 1425 days

India's veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in this frame. (Screenshot)

What ordeal did Bhuvneshwar Kumar pass to make India comeback in 5th T20I vs WI

India tour of New Zealand 2026

Mohammed Shami's name was missing from India's ODI and Test squads for the upcoming New Zealand and with this selectors have indirectly sent a clear message that the veteran pacer's international aspirations are all but over

Mohammed Shami wasn't selected in either of the India's squads for the ODI and Test tour to New Zealand

With this BCCI selector has sent a clear message, that Shami is not in their scheme of things going forward

India's veteran pacer Mohammed Shami in this frame. (Getty)

Has Mohammed Shami's snub for New Zealand tour firmly shut door to his comeback

Hearing petitions from 12 OCI cricketers challenging BCCI's mandatory Indian passport rule, the Bombay High Court questioned why players aspiring to represent India do not simply adopt Indian citizenship.

The Bombay High Court sent a clear cut message to the 12 OCI cricketers, who challenged BCCI's passport mandate

High Court simply asked the cricketers to simply take the citizenship of India

Bombay High Court questions 12 OCI cricketers over challenge to BCCI’s passport mandate. (Getty)

High Court questions 12 OCI cricketers over challenge to BCCI’s passport mandate

Sri Lanka's pace legend Chaminda Vaas has become Delhi Capitals' fast bowling coach ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027

Delhi Capitals have hired Chaminda Vaas as their fast bowling coach ahead of IPL 2027

Chaminda Vaas' appointment came after departure of Munaf Patel

Sri Lanka's legendary pacer Chaminda Vaas in this frame. (X)