New Delhi: Opener KL Rahul will be playing for India A in their first unofficial Test against England Lions at Wayanad in Kerala, February 7-10.
The 14-member squad led by Maharashtra’s Ankit Bawne also features Jharkhand fast bowler Varun Aaron, who last wore national colours way back in 2015 in a rain-marred Test match against South Africa in Bangalore.
Statistically, Aaron with 25 wickets from seven Ranji Trophy matches this season hasn’t been exceptional but as per sources close to BCCI selection committee, the once injury-prone Jharkhand speedster will be monitored in order to broaden the fast bowling pool.
That’s the reason that two tearaway quicks in veteran Aaron and young Avesh Khan have found berth along with Shardul Thakur, who is coming back from a long lay-off and current A team regular Navdeep Saini.
The team doesn’t have too many surprises as most of the domestic performers have found their place in the squad.
India A squad: Ankit Bawne (captain), KL Rahul, AR Easwaran, Priyank Panchal, Ricky Bhui, Siddhesh Lad, KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Jalaj Saxena, Shahbaz Nadeem, Mayank Markande, Navdeep Saini, Sharadul Thakur, Avesh Khan and Varun Aaron.
PTI
