India's preparations for the upcoming Test series against England saw a dynamic second day of their intra-squad match at the Kent County Ground in Beckenham on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with both impressive performances and areas of concern emerging. Sarfaraz Khan's brilliant century for India A stole the show, while Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, went wicketless.
Sarfaraz Khan, despite not being initially named in the Test squad, made a compelling statement with a rapidfire century. The right-handed batsman scored 101 runs off just 76 balls, including 15 boundaries and two sixes. This performance follows his 92 in the first unofficial Test against England Lions in Canterbury, further solidifying his form in English conditions. His omission from the main squad had raised eyebrows, but the Mumbai batter continues to make his case with consistent performances.
In contrast, Jasprit Bumrah had a quiet day, failing to take a wicket in his seven-over spell and conceding runs at five per over. While it is only a warm-up match, his lack of wickets may raise some concerns about his rhythm and readiness for the Test series. Mohammed Siraj, though picking up two wickets, also proved to be expensive, while Prasidh Krishna also took two wickets. Nitish Kumar Reddy managed to dismiss Abhimanyu Easwaran for 39.
India A ended Day 2 at 299 for 6 in response to India's 459. Sai Sudharsan contributed 38 runs, and Ishan Kishan added a brisk 45. Washington Sundar, after a duck in the first innings, made a steady 35. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad, the India A captain, was dismissed for a duck.
On the first day, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had set the stage with fluent half-centuries, demonstrating their readiness for the challenges ahead. This intra-squad match, played behind closed doors, serves as India's final preparation before the five-match Test series against England, beginning on June 20. Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI chairman of selectors, and VVS Laxman, the NCA head, were present at the match.
The match provided valuable insights into the form and preparedness of the players. Sarfaraz Khan's impressive batting display has certainly put him in contention, while the team will be looking for Bumrah to find his rhythm before the first Test. With the series just around the corner, India will aim to fine-tune their strategies and combinations based on the performances in this warm-up game.
