On one side, the main squad is currently going through under preparations, and on the other side, another set of Indian talents, known as the India A team, played two multi-day practice matches against the England Lions. On the first unofficial test, it was raining runs under heavy weather, and in the next match, along with some batting brilliancies, the India A team showed some promising spells as well. The second unofficial Test ended in a draw. From this match, Indian team management can accumulate at least 3 positives ahead of the five-match Test series against England, starting on June 20. 

Three positives Team India can take away from the 2nd unofficial Test:

1. Opening slot:

Over the past few years, Rohit Sharma established himself in the opening position. As he retired from the format, the management had to select someone who could play a significant role at the top of the batting order. BCCI has multiple options to form an opening pair, but finding the right combination is the main challenge, especially when the assignment is under overseas conditions. KL Rahul, after the retirement of Sharma and Virat Kohli, is now the most experienced batter in the Indian group there in the UK. Rahul's hundred and half-century in the first and second innings, respectively, during the 2nd unofficial Test can prove enough to convince the board officials to send him out on the ground as an opener. 

Read More: ENG Lions vs IND A, 2nd Unofficial Full Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

2. Middle Order

The void created because of Virat Kohli's retirement is massive. He made his name with the Whites batting in the middle order, especially at number 4. India needs someone who is immensely talented and has the ability to perform best with pressure lying on their shoulders. Is there anyone in the current mix who can provide stability batting in the middle order? With tons of stats, Karun Nair is undoubtedly a good shout. Sai Sudharsan can be a good contender to hold a spot in the middle order after his dream run in IPL 2025. 

3. Bowling

India may have to play some multiple matches without Jasprit Bumrah, the formidable weapon in India's bowling line-up, due to balance workload management. But the bowlers in the India A team proved that they can pick up wickets without the service from the apex bowler as well. Khaleel Ahmed impressed by claiming 4 wickets, and Anshul Kamboj, Tanush Kotian, and Tushar Deshpande also displayed some eye-catching spells against the England Lions. 

After a hard-fought match against England Lions, the India A team ended the match as a draw with multiple good notes. Unlike the first unofficial Test match, where both teams showed their batting skills, in the second unofficial Test, cricket fans thoroughly enjoyed the days with all-round cricket from both ends. 

The first innings: 

The first innings of the match was mainly highlighted by KL Rahul's 168-ball, 116-run innings with fifteen 4s and one massive over-boundary. Karun Nair (40), Dhruv Jurel (52), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (34) also played their hands well behind the team's 348-10. India A team was able to maintain their lead as England Lions bundled for 327. With Jasprit Bumrah, India A's bowlers impressed by taking all ten wickets. While Khaleel Ahmed claimed 4 wickets, Anshul Kamboj and Tushar Deshpande took 2 scalps each. Reddy and Tanush Kotian bagged 1 wicket each. 

The second innings:

When the wicket got more rough, the Indian batting line-up bloomed more, with 50s from 4 batters; the team took the total to 417 for 7. Skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran, at number three, scored 80, and KL Rahul, as an opener, got 51. The right-handed batter in both innings, as the opener, looked solid enough to take Rohit Sharma's place in the main team. 

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Brilliant performances from the all-rounders 

More than the batters at the top or in the middle, in the second innings, Indian bowling and all-rounders manifested their abilities in the English conditions. Tanush Kotian's unbeaten 90 in the lower middle order was something that came from nowhere. Anshul Kamboj's 51 not out also carried some positive intentions ahead of the five-match Test series. 

Kamboj with the ball claimed a brace in the second innings, and Deshpande clinched one English batsman. Thus the home side was restricted to 32 for 3 at the end of the 2nd unofficial match, and it ended in a draw. 

On Saturday, June 7, India's men's cricket team arrived in the UK for the five-match Test series against England that they anticipate. This series marks the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams. With seniors Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from Test cricket, it marks the beginning of a new era under Shubman Gill's captaincy. The team includes a lot of new faces, lending a sense of change and excitement as the team prepares to face England in difficult home conditions.

Departing from Mumbai on Friday, the Indian contingent reached London over the weekend. The BCCI shared a behind-the-scenes video that showcases the players' travel journey and arrival at Heathrow Airport. In the clip, Jasprit Bumrah was seen playfully teasing skipper Gill for sporting sunglasses at night. Meanwhile, young batter B Sai Sudharsan, who received his first-ever Test call-up, shared his excitement about being part of the tour.

 "Excited to be part of the Indian Test team. Welcome to the UK," the stylish left-hand batter said in the video.

Watch the video here;

TEAM INDIA HAVE ARRIVED IN ENGLAND FOR THE TENDULKAR-ANDERSON TROPHY. 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/mRjNWVVa90

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 7, 2025

See Also: ENG Lions vs IND A, 2nd Unofficial Test Day 1 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from unofficial Test

No crowd to welcome Indian Cricket Team 

Typically, whenever the Indian cricket team travels abroad, massive crowds of fans and media eagerly await their arrival at airports and team hotels. However, this time in London, the scene was notably subdued. Reports indicate that only a limited number of media representatives and a small group of fans showed up to welcome the squad upon their arrival. The quiet reception was in stark contrast to the usual enthusiastic turnout, especially considering the significance of this tour as India embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Shubman Gill.

Prior to the Test series with serious demands and expectations, India are expected to play a four-day warm-up match against India A to help them orient their preparation. Interestingly, a few of the members of the main squad had already been in the UK when they played India A games to get used to English conditions. The five-Test series will take place from June to August 2025, at venues such as Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord's, The Oval and Old Trafford.

India Squad for England Tour

IND A 1st Innings 319-7 (83 Overs)

Despite being an ace batter of team India, KL Rahul was desperate to participate in England Lions vs. India A 2nd unofficial test to make himself prepared at the highest order for the upcoming five-match Test series, starting from June 20. 

The form Rahul showed in the IPL 2025 continued in the preparatory match as well. In a fresh green wicket, the right-handed batter showed his skills and techniques a batter needs to survive in a typical English condition. KL Rahul's 116 in Northampton proved to be an innings saver for the traveling side. 

On the other hand, with the inclusion of Chris Woakes, the bowling department of the England Lions looked more promising than in the first unofficial Test. Woakes is one of the senior players who set out to make a comeback in the squad after sustaining an injury. 

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Yashasvi Jaiswal and India Team captain Abhimanyu Easwaran again departed early in the innings. After their dismissals, Rahul and Karun Nair, who recorded a double century in the previous match, this time missed a half-century only by 9 runs. Under tough conditions, Dhruv Jurel again delivered an appreciable innings by scoring 52 runs off 87 balls. England bowlers find it difficult to break the partnership between Rahul and Jurel. The batters combined to tack on a 121-run, 159-ball partnership to lead their team to a respectable total. 

England Lions will try best to take the driving seat in Day 2

Including the main squad and the India A team, there are multiple candidates to play as the opener. While Jaiswal and Easwaran struggled against the shining new ball, Rahul came and captured the hearts of cricket fans batting as an opener. BCCI selectors may feel some relief after watching the calm and controlled innings from the versatile player, who is often utilized to control damage. 

The rain interrupted Day 1 of the 2nd unofficial Test, which was pretty enjoyable for the spectators at County Ground. Both teams tried to do their best to tilt the momentum of the innings. Along with Woakes, George Hill's 18-over spell was impressive with a couple of wickets, including the scalp of Rahul. The beginning of Day 2 can be hard for India A, as all the full-time batters went back to the hut and left the lower order to snatch some more runs. 

KL Rahul looked in great touch in his first match of the season in England, playing a calm yet study innings against the England Lions. After a good start, Rahul slowly got into his rhythm and started to play his shots with confidence. By Tea, he was unbeaten on 93 runs from 143 balls , just seven short of a well-deserved century.

He took his time early on, reaching his half-century in 102 balls. But once he got past fifty, Rahul looked much more comfortable at the crease. His strokes became fluent, and he started finding the gaps with ease. The England Lions bowlers, who had kept things tight early, began to feel the pressure as Rahul stepped up the pace.

India crossed the 200-run mark with Rahul leading the charge. His shot selection, footwork, and patience stood out. It was the kind of innings that reminded everyone of his experience and class especially in English conditions where batting can be tricky.

Play was delayed in the morning due to some lost time, but the teams tried to make up for it during the day. As the Tea break was taken after 52 overs, it was Rahul’s solid knock that stood as the highlight of the session. With just a few runs to go for a century, Rahul looks set for a big one. If he continues in this form, it will be a strong start to what could be a memorable tour for him.

ALSO READ: ENG vs IND: Like Jofra Archer, another speed star has chances to mark his return to Test cricket against India

Fans react as KL Rahul registers half century in second unofficial Test

Century for KL Rahul in an unofficial test vs England 🔥.

Woakes was bowling well and he played so well .

I think he's going to have a historic series for himself pic.twitter.com/WMAmsoYi7n

— 𝙰𝚍𝚠𝚊𝚒𝚝𝚑 (@Adwaith_Ro45) June 6, 2025

A Brilliant Century Innings Come To An End 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

KL Rahul departs for 116.

But he starts his English summer with a bang🔥🔥🔥

India A - 252/5 #ENGvsIND #IndiaA #KLRahul #EnglandLions #XtraTime pic.twitter.com/VxMw5cYW1l

— XtraTime (@xtratimeindia) June 6, 2025

KL Rahul used up his 'one test hundred per tour' quota in a practice match 😭 pic.twitter.com/094wWQg6JX

— carrington enjoyer (@ICT_Stan) June 6, 2025

What a show of pure dedication 🇮🇳
KL Rahul scores a gritty 116 runs off 168 balls in the unofficial Test against England Lions! 🙌🔥
Not just a hundred — it’s a statement. 💯#KLRahul #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/Rk0cdF109M

— Mishra ji 😎 (@Mishrrajee) June 6, 2025

"KL Rahul slams a brilliant century against England! 100*(151) Back with a bang! KL Rahul’s masterclass shuts down every doubt. #klrahul #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/TG5IiZvjx7

— Team Prachand ( टीम प्रचंड ) (@TeamPrachand_07) June 6, 2025

KL Rahul made a successful comeback to red-ball cricket, scoring a well-compiled century for his side, India A, against the England Lions in the second unofficial Test. Rahul hit his hundred after Tea on Day 1 off 151 balls, taking command of the innings, signalling he was ready to take back the opener's role in the Test series coming up. Rahul came to bat as an opener and looked rock solid in his game despite losing Yashasvi Jaiswal for 17 runs and Abhimanyu Easwaran for 11 runs. The Indian legendary batter then partnered with Karun Nair to stitch a crucial partnership of 86 runs, which provided solidarity to the Indian batting order after early setbacks. Unfortunately, Nair was dismissed for a solid score of 40 runs off just 71 balls.

Upon getting settled, the talismanic India batter slowly shifted gears, reaching his fifty with patience and then quickly accelerating to his well-deserved century with great confidence and authority. His mature knock included 13 boundaries along with a humongous six. This innings from KL not only put India A in a commanding position but also re assured his case for a permanent spot in India’s Test XI. What was outstanding in that knock was Rahul’s ability to absorb in the relentless pressure and then construct a high-class innings from a very difficult position. This also reflected his experience and adaptability in red-ball cricket.

See Also: ENG vs IND: Like Jofra Archer, another speed star has chances to mark his return to Test cricket against India

Rahul’s form is particularly timely given the selection dilemma at the top of the order. With Rohit Sharma’s position potentially up for grabs, Rahul’s century could prove decisive. Having been shuffled between opening and middle-order roles in recent series, including against Australia, the wicket-keeper batter now looks set for a return to the top. After filling in for Rishabh Pant during his absence, Rahul’s consistent performances and positional flexibility could be just what the team needs heading into a crucial Test season.

Chris Woakes star for England Lions

Chris Woakes made a strong comeback from injury with a fiery new-ball spell in the first Test against India at Leeds. Leading England’s pace attack, Woakes struck early by trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW with a sharp in-seamer that seamed in late. Chris Woakes almost got Abhimanyu Easwaran off the first ball of his spell, but the batter was fortunate when a slip catch was put down. Woakes went on to bowl with control and precision and eventually found a way through Easwaran's defence, this time with a searing delivery that nipped back and crashed into the stumps.

Woakes did not stop there. When he made a second spell in the afternoon session, he struck again, dismissing Karun Nair, who looked well set getting trapped leg before wicket by Woakes; he showed great ability to extract movement off the pitch whilst keeping a probing line and length to maintain pressure on the Indian batters.  Woakes' three-wicket haul highlighted his value to the England side during the comeback.

IND A 1st Innings: 557/10 & 241/2

ENG Lions 1st Innings: 587/10

As per the expectations, England Lions scored over India A's first innings 557, but not enough to challenge the visiting side enough for a hard fight. The first unofficial Test between England Lions and India A (ENG Lions vs IND A) ended in a draw. 

In the second innings, all 4 top-order batters of the Indian lineup scored half-centuries, including the skipper of the India A side, Abhimanyu Easwaran, who lost his wicket cheaply in the first innings of the match. The opening pair of the team remains unchanged with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Easwaran. While Jaiswal got 64, the skipper ended his innings with an individual 68.

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The team management did not feel to check Karun Nair's ability, as he already delivered a double century in the first innings, so the right-handed batter did not ask to bat again in the second innings. Along with the openers, the management sent Dhruv Jurel and Nitish Kumar Reddy to bat. 

Bowlers yet to prove their dominance over english batters

Jurel, after scoring 94 in the first innings, bagged an unbeaten 53 in the second innings. Reddy also proved his talent with an unbeaten 52 after being caught out only 7 of 7 in the first innings. 

Contrary to the batting department, the Indian bowling part did not manage to impress too much on a green top surface. England Lions successfully overcame the barrier set by India A and posted 587 with the help of three 100s to level the momentum of the match and draw at the end of the highly entertaining contest.

India A’s bowlers conceded 587 vs the young and inexperienced England Lions on a flat track !!

Mukesh Kumar: 3/92
Shardul Thakur: 2/105
Karun Nair: 1/5
Nitish Kumar Reddy: 1/63
Anshul Kamboj: 1/69
Harshit Rana: 1/99
Harsh Dubey: 1/129#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/zyP0kv0EZE

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) June 2, 2025

IND A 1st Innings: 557-10 (125.1 Overs)

England Lions: 527/7 (124 Overs )

Tom Haines' cruise anchored at the dock after travelling for 171 of 279, followed by two other centurions for England Lions against India A on the 3rd day of the first unofficial Test ahead of the 5-match Test series between England and India.

At the point of the match, 557 posted on the scoreboard was looking untouchable until Haines showcased his class. The host team was in a commendable position at the end of Day 2, and they continued their momentum the following day also.

England Lions was standing at 419 when Haines departed, and the team led by Abhimanyu Easwaran had a golden opportunity to wrap up the opposition. They could not succeed in doing so only for Max Holden (101) and Dan Mousley (113*).

Read More: [WATCH] PBKS vs MI: Josh Inglis smashing Jasprit Bumrah for 20 runs in one over

England Lions fighting back with three roaring centuries

After the stumps of Day 3, England Lions are trailing by only 30 runs, and they will start a new day with a well-settled Zaman Akhter, who has remained not out for 38.

To control the sessions, Easwaran utilized 8 different bowlers, including Karun Nair, who took a wicket also. But Mukesh Kumar 3 wickets in 21 overs, has been the most successful bowler for India A so far. 

Squads for the unofficial Test: 

India A (Playing XI): Abhimanyu Easwaran(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Harsh Dubey, Anshul Kamboj, Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar.

England Lions (Playing XI): Tom Haines, Ben McKinney, Emilio Gay, Max Holden, James Rew(w/c), Dan Mousley, Rehan Ahmed, Zaman Akhter, Eddie Jack, Josh Hull, and Ajeet Dale.

INDA: 557 (125.1)

ENGA: 237/2 (52)

England Lions trail by 320 runs

Inspired by Tom Haines's dominating century and Max Holden's well-crafted half-century, England Lions hinted at making a comeback against India A at the end of Day 2. 

India A was at the driving seat when Day 2 started with Karun Nair and Dhruv Jurel on the crease. Nair, as expected, achieved his 200 with the same rhythm and confidence he played with a day before. Though Jurel proved not fortunate enough to achieve a hundred, missing by only 6 runs, he was dismissed for 94. 

After the departure of Jurel and Nair, the visiting side started to lose wickets at regular intervals. NK Reddy was disappointed as he threw his wicket only for 7. Utilizing all the cards, India A in 125.1 overs posted 557 for 10 scalps. Josh Hull and Zaman Akhter for England Lions claimed 3 wickets each. 

Read More: IPL 2025: Big Boost for PBKS as Star player likely to return for Qualifier 2 vs MI

England Lions trying best to capture the driving position

Despite the brilliant knock by Jurel and counterattack by the host, Nair remained as the main man under the spotlight with his 281 balls and 204 runs innings, decorated with 26 boundaries and one six. 

In front of a mammoth total and on a green deck, the England Lions batter showed resilience at the tea break and gradually built the momentum to offer a neck-to-neck fight to India A by the end of the day. After the dominating performance from Abhimanyu Easwaran's team, Haines has made his nation believe they can score a massive number too. The batter from South Essex remained not out for 103 off 147 with eleven 4s, supported by Holden's unbeaten 64.

The match is now at a neck-to-neck position 

Anshul Kamboj and Harsh Dubey were the only two bowlers who were so far impressed with the ball, taking the wickets of Ben McKinney and Emilio Gay, respectively. At the end of Day 2, England Lions had 237/2 and were trailing by 320 runs. 

The unprecedented resurgence of Karun Nair has caught the attention of several cricketing pundits. Of late, Karun has made headlines by stitching together a string of promising performances in the domestic arena across formats. The Karnataka-born batter rose to prominence back in 2016 when he slammed a breathtaking triple hundred against England, making him only the third triple centurion for India in Test cricket. However, after that triumph, the 33-year-old lost his spark over the years and eventually got sidelined from the Test side.  

But years of grinding in the domestic circuit have given him a second chance to cement his place permanently in the Indian Test squad. His performances in recent times have been noteworthy and calls for his inclusion in the Test side seem to grow louder. In this article, he will emphasize three key reasons why Karun Nair must bat at number three in the upcoming England tour. 

See also: England Lions vs India A Live streaming details, 1st Unofficial Test: How to watch ENG-L vs IND-A Telecast on TV and online?

Experience batter at number three

Karun has a steady technique which complies well with the requirements of a typical number three batsman. At this position, he can stabilize the innings in case of an early wicket. Unlike traditional number three batters, Nair also has the ability to shift gears when needed, especially against spin. Besides, his ability to consistently rotate strike keeps pressure away from the big hitters. Throughout his First-Class career, Karun has demonstrated versatility while batting across several positions. Although he frequently bats in the middle order, his adaptability enables him to perform effectively in various positions, including number three. His technical proficiency and capacity to anchor innings render him a valuable asset in that role.

Recent form (Double century against England Lions)

Karun has the ability to score big against England, and his recent knock of 204 serves as a true testament to that fact. On a seam-friendly deck, Karun displayed a calculated approach and a calm demeanor while going about constructing his innings.  The maturity in his batting was evident. The 33-year-old partnered with Sarfaraz Khan at a tricky time and stitched a galloping 181-run stand for the third wicket to turn the tables on England Lions. He played a stroke-filled innings of high quality as he did not let go of any scoring opportunity and pounded the inexperienced Lions bowlers, scoring at a belligerent strike rate of nearly 73. Karun is no stranger to the English conditions and has played a fair bit of country cricket in England before. His double ton has not only propelled the visitors to the top but also solidified his chances of securing a Test recall after nine long years.

Has got the Test temperament

Karun Nair is someone who does not come across as a natural hard hitter. But his ability to play a wide range of strokes with control and precision against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset for Team India in the longest format. Having played at the highest level, including a triple century in Tests, Karun brings situational awareness to tackle pressure situations, plus the maturity to read bowlers and conditions better than many younger players. Since Karun is naturally not a hard pinch-hitter, he can come at no.3 and face more deliveries, thus increasing his chances to contribute significantly. The triple-centurion is a gem of a batsman and has the tenacity to play a long innings. Being technically astute against pace and spin, Karun can anchor the innings and allow the finishers or the aggressive batters to play freely around him.