Indian team's middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer will be unavailable for the second unofficial Test match between India-A and Australia-A. This match, starting today, September 23 (Tuesday), will not feature Iyer.
Sports News: Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will not be seen playing in the second unofficial Test match between India-A and Australia-A. Dhruv Jurel will captain the team in this four-day match, which begins on September 23 in Lucknow. This decision has been made keeping in mind Iyer's preparation for upcoming international cricket and the Test series against West Indies.
Shreyas Iyer's Absence
According to sources, Shreyas Iyer is currently on a break and has returned to Mumbai. He has informed the selectors that he will not be able to participate in the second unofficial Test against Australia-A. However, his place in the contention for selection in Team India's middle order remains certain. The two-match Test series against West Indies is set to begin on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Iyer is preparing to secure a spot in Team India for this series.
The captaincy of the India-A team will now be in the hands of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Dhruv was previously Iyer's deputy and will now take full responsibility. Under his captaincy, the team is set to face Australia-A. Dhruv Jurel's leadership will provide the team with a new experience in strategy and leadership, also offering young players an opportunity to learn.
Summary of the First Unofficial Test
The first unofficial Test match between India-A and Australia-A resulted in a high-scoring draw. India declared their first innings at 531/7. In response, Australia-A declared their first innings at 532/6. In the second innings, Australia scored 56 runs, drawing the match. Shreyas Iyer could only score 8 runs in this match and was out LBW to off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli. Additionally, Iyer had scored 25 and 12 runs respectively for West Zone against Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final.
The 30-year-old Shreyas Iyer was the highest run-scorer for India in the Champions Trophy (ODI) held in February-March this year. He scored 243 runs in 5 matches, with an average of 48 and two half-centuries. Despite this, he was not included in the squad for the ongoing Asia Cup in Dubai.
