As temperatures soar in India with the IPL nearing its climax, a contrasting scene unfolds in the serene setting of Canterbury, England, where India A, led by the calm Abhimanyu Easwaran, prepare to face the England Lions in the first of two unofficial Test matches. This fixture is more than just a warm-up for India’s upcoming Test tour starting June 20, it’s also a crucial opportunity for emerging talents to stake their claim for a place in the senior side. With high stakes and red-ball ambitions, the match promises gripping, competitive cricket.

Abhimanyu Easwaran will aim to anchor India A both with the bat and through leadership. The squad boasts an exciting mix of IPL flair and red-ball promise, with players like Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad injecting attacking prowess. The returns of Shardul Thakur and Karun Nair add depth but also come with pressure to perform. Their performances could influence future Test selections. Meanwhile, big names such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy continue to hone their skills with the Dukes ball, keenly aware that strong showings could fast-track their rise to the senior team for the prestigious Pataudi Trophy.

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England Lions, meanwhile, bring a dynamic blend of youth and experience into the contest. Captain James Rew, fresh from a prolific County Championship run, will be a key figure at the top. The inclusion of seasoned campaigner Chris Woakes offers stability, while young talent Rocky Flintoff, son of legendary all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, adds buzz to the lineup. With Rehan Ahmed expected to be a major spin threat, the Lions will look to challenge India A in varied conditions. The historic Spitfire Ground in Kent sets the stage for a compelling clash between the next generation of Test hopefuls.

ENG L vs IND A: Match Information

Match: England Lions vs India A, 1st Unofficial Test

Date: Thursday, May 30 to Sunday, June 2, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local Time

Venue: St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom

England Lions vs India A: Live Streaming Details

India:

Television Broadcast: No live telecast available on Indian TV.

Online Streaming: ECB Website and ECB App

Other Countries:

England: ECB Website and ECB App (11:00 AM Local Time)

Rest of World: ECB YouTube Channel

England Lions vs India A: Weather & Pitch Report

The forecast in Canterbury is largely sunny with mild breeze - ideal for four days of uninterrupted red-ball cricket. Early overcast mornings could offer some swing for the pacers, making the first hour crucial. The pitch at St Lawrence Ground traditionally offers good bounce and carry, assisting seamers early on and rewarding patient batsmanship as the day progresses.

England Lions vs India A Full Squads

India A Squad:

Abhimanyu Easwaran(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Dhruv Jurel(w), Shardul Thakur, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Harsh Dubey, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Tanush Kotian, Tushar Deshpande, Sarfaraz Khan.

England Lions Squad:

Tom Haines, Ben McKinney, Emilio Gay, James Rew(w/c), Jordan Cox, Ajeet Dale, Dan Mousley, Rehan Ahmed, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Farhan Ahmed, Rocky Flintoff, Zaman Akhter, Henry Crocombe, Max Holden.