Rahul Dravid Set to Make India A Coaching Debut vs Australia A

Cheteshwar Pujara to lead the side that’s already had it’s first setback with Varun Aaron being ruled out with fever

With an aim to create a solid bench strength, the Rahul Dravid-coached India ‘A’ side will be taking on Australia ‘A’ in the first unofficial Test of the two-match series, in Chennai from Wednesday.

Tours of ‘A’ teams gained emphasis under the Anil Kumble-led current Technical Committee of the Cricket Board (BCCI) as these matches will help in spotting the next generation of players for the national senior team.

Just after taking charge of the ‘A’ team, Dravid has laid emphasis on the bowlers’ ability to take 20 wickets and batsmen intent to stay longer period of time at the wicket.

India ‘A’ will be lead by top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, who will be eager to return among runs and earn his place back in the senior Test side.

Pujara, who fell out of favour after struggling in England and Australia and was dropped from the recent Bangladesh squad, is keen for big scores.

The Saurashtra run-machine, who had earlier led the ‘A’ teams against South Africa (away) and against the West Indies in 2013, would be desperately looking forward to the series to prove his detractors wrong. The four-day matches Australia ‘A’ would also give Pujara an opportunity to showcase his captaincy skills.

However, the team was dealt a blow with pace spearhead Varun Aaron pulling out of the first fixture due to viral fever.

While heat and humidity in Chennai at this time of the year, Aaron, who is a certainty in the upcoming Sri Lanka Test series, would like to get adequate rest and recover in time for the international schedule.

On giving chances to the youngsters like Shreyas Iyer and Vijay Shankar, skipper Cheteshwar Pujara said, “We will have mixture of both senior and youngsters. Obviously, we have to think about the team and need to have the right combination. Whoever fits in the team’s combination will play tomorrow.”