Watch the India vs India A Intra-Squad Match Live: Streaming Details and Timing
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a pivotal five-match Test series against England, commencing June 20, 2025. To ensure optimal preparation, the team will engage in a closed-door intra-squad warm-up match against India A starting June 13. This four-day practice session aims to keep tactical strategies under wraps while providing players, particularly bowlers and batsmen, with essential match simulation ahead of the series opener at Headingley. The warm-up game holds special significance for the players transitioning from T20 format in the IPL to the more grueling Test cricket.
### Focus on Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness
A major highlight of the warm-up match will be the return of pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of Test cricket for six months. After suffering a back stress fracture during the fifth Test in Australia, Bumrah has participated solely in IPL games since his recovery. The team management will closely monitor his performance during the practice match, assessing his fitness and form as he bowls multiple spells. This evaluation is critical for determining his readiness for the challenging Test series against England.
### Selection Dilemmas Ahead of the Test Series
The intra-squad match will also serve to resolve several selection issues facing the Indian team. One of the key decisions is identifying a seam bowling partner for Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Candidates for this position include Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, both of whom bring different skill sets to the table. Additionally, the team must decide on their primary spinner, weighing the options between Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Jadeja offers depth in batting along with his spin capabilities, while Kuldeep could provide an attacking edge against England’s aggressive batting lineup.
### Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Debut
This warm-up match marks Shubman Gill’s official debut as the captain of the Indian Test team. The closed-door nature of the practice allows Gill to focus on team dynamics without external pressures. This environment is designed to foster acclimatization and strategy development as the team prepares for the Test series. The absence of public scrutiny emphasizes the team’s commitment to thorough preparation over publicity, enabling players to concentrate on their roles and responsibilities.
### Comprehensive Preparation for English Conditions
The extensive format of the warm-up game, which comprises 360 overs, is a testament to the Indian team’s dedication to meticulous preparation. This practice match will allow all squad members ample time to adjust to the nuances of Test cricket and the specific challenges posed by English conditions. As the Indian team looks to finalize its strategy and composition before the series, this warm-up game represents a crucial phase in their preparation, with the potential to significantly influence their performance in the upcoming Tests against England.
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