India A will reset their red-ball ambitions as a strong contingent vies for spots in the senior Test squad during a two-match unofficial Test series against Australia A in Lucknow. Led by Shreyas Iyer, who seeks a comeback after 20 months out of the Test side, India A will field four capped players—Sai Sudharsan, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal—alongside seasoned batters such as Abhimanyu Easwaran and wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan. KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj join only for the second match, heightening competition in the first fixture for emerging talents like Harsh Dubey and Ayush Badoni.
Australia A arrive with their own Test aspirations on display as Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney lock horns for the crucial opening slot. Capped seamers Xavier Bartlett and Cooper Connolly offer experience in the bowling attack, while all-rounders Aaron Hardie and Todd Murphy aim to press their claims in spin and pace departments. This series serves as a vital platform for both nations to assess bench strength ahead of the official Test tour of the West Indies early next year.
Key contenders for India A and Australia A
Iyer’s leadership will be tested in the first match as he marshals a batting lineup that balances youth and experience. Sudharsan’s elegant strokeplay and Padikkal’s top-order resilience will be vital on Lucknow’s dry pitch, which traditionally favors spin in later days. Krishna’s pace and Khaleel Ahmed’s variations will challenge Australian batters unaccustomed to Indian conditions. Jurel’s dual role as vice-captain and wicketkeeper adds tactical flexibility.
On the Australian side Konstas and McSweeney’s head-to-head will decide the opener for the senior side. Bartlett’s bounce and Connolly’s swing present a threat to young Indian batters. Hardie’s seam-spin versatility and Murphy’s left-arm spin offer contrasting options for captain Bartlett to exploit local pitch quirks.
IND-A vs AUS-A Unofficial Test Series 2025: Fixture details and timings
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (IST) | Start Time (GMT) |
| First Unofficial Test | September 16 | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | 9:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
| Second Unofficial Test | September 23 | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | 9:30 AM | 4:00 AM |
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Both unofficial Tests won’t be televised but will be available via live streaming on the JioHotstar app.
Also READ: Shreyas Iyer named captain as BCCI announces India A squad for multi-day matches against Australia A
