India A are set to face Australia A in the opening game of their three-match unofficial ODI series in Puducherry on Tuesday, 6th October.
The contest will provide a valuable platform for a number of promising Indian players to impress the selectors and strengthen their claims for senior team selection.
Who is leading the India A squad and who are the key players?
Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain India A in a well equipped squad featuring Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and Kumar Kushagra. Australia A will also field a competitive group with international players such as Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney part of their setup. The ODI series comes after India A secured a 1-0 result in the two-match unofficial Test series with the other fixture finishing without a winner.
Why has the match timing been revised for the opening fixture?
The opening unofficial ODI between India A and Australia A has undergone a change in start time. Initially set for 9:30 AM IST, the first game will now get underway at 2:00 PM IST on Tuesday, October 6th. The remaining two fixtures are scheduled for October 9th and 11th with both matches retaining the 9:30 AM IST start. All three encounters will take place in Puducherry.
Where will the unofficial ODI matches be played?
The opening unofficial ODI is scheduled to take place at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground. All three games in the series are set to be played at the same ground in Puducherry.
How can fans watch and stream the matches live?
Indian viewers can follow the India A vs Australia A unofficial ODI series on the Star Sports Network with live streaming also available through JioHotstar.
Which pace bowlers are featuring in the series?
The upcoming three-match contest will provide a valuable platform for India’s emerging pace attack. Gurjapneet Singh, Arshad Khan and Yash Thakur will be eager to put in notable performances against Australia A. Gurjapneet and Arshad offer left-arm pace while Yash Thakur adds variety with his right-arm seam bowling. Each bowler has produced encouraging numbers in List A cricket, although Yash boasts significantly greater domestic experience. Arshad was also among the standout performers during India A’s recent tri-series in Sri Lanka where his ability to bowl effectively in the final overs caught attention. His useful batting skills further strengthen his case as a valuable allround option.
Why is Hardik Pandya missing and who has replaced him?
Hardik Pandya was earlier tipped to feature in the series as he looked to resume competitive action. However a right shin injury has forced him out and left his return date uncertain. Suryansh Shedge has subsequently been drafted into the India A squad as his replacement. With the national team still weighing its ODI bowling combinations ahead of the New Zealand tour, this series offers the India A players an ideal chance to impress the selection panel.
India A vs Australia A unofficial ODI series: Squads
India A: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan, Priyansh Arya, Kumar Kushagra (wk), Suryansh Shedge, Rajat Patidar, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Arshin Kulkarni, Nishant Sindhu, Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Gurjapneet Singh, Arshad Khan, Anukul Roy.
Australia: Aaron Hardie, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lachlan Shaw, Riley Meredith, Ben Dwarshuis, Nikhil Chaudhary, Mahli Beardman, Mitch Owen, Jack Edwards, Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson, Todd Murphy, Will Sutherland.