Yuvraj in India A squad led by Raina
India's new selection committee has picked Yuvraj Singh for the India 'A' side which will face England in a warm up game in Mumbai from October 30th to November 1st. Suresh Raina has been named the captain of the squad. Yuvraj Singh, who made a successful comeback into the national T20 side after suffering a rare form of cancer, marked his domestic return with a double century in the Duleep Trophy semi-final, playing for North Zone against Central Zone. That knock has done enough to allay the fears of the selectors about his fitness and ability to withstand the pressures of the longer format.
Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina are likely to fight it out for the number 6 spot in the main Test squad. Yuvraj Singh was dropped from Tests after the second Test against West Indies at home last November. Suresh Raina played at number 6 in the 2 Tests against New Zealand earlier this year, but failed to seal his spot.
Interestingly, in a tactical move to not give England much practice against spin, the selectors have not picked any specialist spinner in the squad. Irfan Pathan, Vinay Kumar, Parwinder Awana and Ashoke Dinda form the pace attack. Robin Bist, who was the highest run getter in the previous Ranji season, gets a place in the team. Murali Vijay and Shikar Dhawan have been in prolific form in the domestic season so far and get an opportunity to stake their claim before the big home season ahead. Abhinav Mukund, who led India 'A' in the tour of New Zealand, is the other opener in the squad.
The notable absentees are Rohit Sharma and Subramaniam Badrinath. Badrinath was a part of the senior Test squad against New Zealand, but has not been picked for the warm up match against England.
Reactions:
Ashoke Dinda: I was expecting this call-up. I knew that the team was going to be announced today, but was concentrating more on this Duleep Trophy final. Irfan and Vinay are in the side, so I am not the senior most bowler. But I will give my best in this game. Performances in such games can prove to be very valuable.
Robin Bist: If I get a chance, I will definitely try to prove myself. It's a great opportunity for a player like me to knock on the selectors doors again. I never expect anything from the selection point of view. I just ensure that I am ready if I do get selected. I think my selection is because of the 100 in the Irani Cup game. If the India A side does well, then it will set the tone for the entire series against England. We'll want to finish what England started when we toured them.
Ashok Menaria: It's a matter of great pride that I will be playing against such a big side like England. I don't know if I will get a chance in the playing XI, but being in the dressing room itself is a big deal. Yes, I think the good showing in New Zealand tour helped. Selectors do take note of good performances in such tours because the playing conditions are a bit different and difficult.
Squad: Suresh Raina (skipper), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Yuvraj Singh, Manoj Tiwary, Wridhiman Saha, Irfan Pathan, Vinay Kumar, Parwinder Awana, Ashoke Dinda, Robin Bist, Ashok Menaria, Abhinav Mukund
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india A
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