Venkata Krishna B By

Express News Service

CHENNAI : Test regulars Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane are set to feature in India A’s final fourday fixture against England Lions from July 16 in Worcester. The duo, who are sure-shot contenders for a Test berth, are not part of the limitedover squad. Keeping in mind that there are no practice games before the Test series begins on August 1, the management has requested the selectors to draft them into the A side. Vijay had a good outing the last time India toured England and alongside Rahane, was one of the standout performers in 2014.

However, both are not assured of a spot in the final eleven. Given the fact that Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul, by virtue of being in the limited- over side, will gain enough preparation time, tilting the scale towards them for taking guard in Birmingham. In such a case, this fixture could be more crucial for Vijay. Rahane, unlike Vijay, might not have any struggles to find a spot, as it happened during the tour of South Africa.

With Rohit Sharma unlikely to get his place back, the vice-captain will walk-in at No 5. “Although they arrive a good 10 days before the first Test begins, we want them to have match practice. It was decided when the squads were named that some of them might feature in India A games. There could be one or two more players who might play with the A side, but that will be known only after the squad is named,” a source told Express. venkatakrishna@newindianexpress.com