India A to face South Africa in three first-class matches

India A is set to face South Africa before the start of the Test series between India and South Africa later this year. The two teams are set to face each other in Late December and early January, which will be a part of the World Test Championship. Some of the senior players in the team might be asked to tour South Africa early, in order to take part in the first-class matches.

The Indian team usually plays first-class matches before the start of the away tours, particularly against the big teams. The attempt is to let the players get adjusted to difference in bounce, difference in playing conditions, and other factors. But during India’s last Test tour in 2022 against Bangladesh, there was no A-tour, as the focus was on the preparation for the ODI World Cup 2023.

The domestic players from India have good news ahead of them, as they get to play at least 5 first-class games in December and January. These players can perform in the series and make a name for themselves, which would strengthen their chances for a potential test debut. India is set to take on South Africa and England from late December to early February.

Big challenge for India in the longest format

India A is set to face South Africa in three matches of four days each, before the start of the series. The first match of the series is set to take place on the 26th of December. Later on, India A is likely to face England Lions in at least two first-class games. England will be in India for a five-match series, which is expected to provide a blockbuster month of Test cricket.

Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jaydev Unadkat are expected to tour South Africa early. Vidwath Kaverappa, Harshith Rana, Navdeep Saini, and Kuldeep Sen are expected to take part in the India A series against South Africa. Some of the batters like B Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Konas Bharat, and Yash Dhull are likely to take part in the series against South Africa.