There are at least three hopefuls ufffd Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Ajinkya Rahane ufffd for the middle order spot in the Indian Test team
The trio are part of the India ‘A’ team that will take on England in the first warm-up match at the Brabourne Stadium today. A brilliant performance against Alaistair Cook’s team will put them in the reckoning for the four-Test series.
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However, former chief selector Kiran More said the players should not lose heart if they are not selected for the Test series. “Of course, the first warm-up game is very crucial for Raina, Yuvraj and Ajinkya. In fact, I would say it is very vital for all the players because it is a long season at home and if some player breaks down, the replacement will be from the performers from these (warm-up) matches.
“They all have to be ready all time. Opportunity can come anytime. These players should not look at just the England series. We will host Australia and Pakistan later. So, there is going to be lot of cricket happening,” More told MiD DAY on the sidelines of the India ‘A’ practice session at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday.
The No 6 spot
Raina, who will lead the India ‘A’ team, said he is eager to grab the No 6 spot in the Indian batting line-up and doesn’t mind fighting for it with his ‘role model’ cancer-survivor Yuvraj.
“Yuvraj has just come back from a serious illness. He’s a big role model for me and for others. I would love to see him back in whites.
“I also want that spot. I want to play these four Tests against England. But I’d rather not dwell on who the spot will go to. It is up to the selectors,” Raina told reporters on the eve of the first warm-up tie.
“This game is very important for me. If I score runs here, it’ll help me,” he added.u00a0