KL Rahul’s batting performance in the upcoming second unofficial Test against Australia A will be closely scrutinized by the Indian national selection committee as he prepares to showcase his skills ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rahul, who was dropped midway through the home Tests against New Zealand, has been sent to the ‘A’ Test along with reserve keeper Dhruv Jurel to gain match practice before joining the senior team in Perth on January 11.
The India A team will face a stern test against Australia A, which includes seasoned pacer Scott Boland. Boland’s presence will provide a challenging environment for the Indian batters, including Rahul, who will likely bat at No. 5 or 6. Rahul’s ability to handle quality fast bowling in bouncy conditions will be crucial, as he aims to prove his worth for a spot in the Test series.
During the practice session at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rahul looked in good touch. With Abhimanyu Easwaran and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to open, Rahul’s batting position will be similar to what it would be in the Indian Test XI.
The Indian selectors believe that Rahul’s experience and success in overseas conditions, including centuries at Lord’s, Oval, Sydney, and Centurion, make him a more suitable choice than domestic doyen Sarfaraz Khan, despite Khan’s impressive 150 against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
The India A team will make four changes to the squad that played the first ‘unofficial Test’ at Mackay, which they lost by seven wickets. Rahul will replace Baba Indrajith, while Jurel will take the place of Ishan Kishan. Navdeep Saini will make way for left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed, and off-spinner all-rounder Tanush Kotian will replace slow left-arm orthodox Manav Suthar.
