Rahane, Vijay to play for India 'A' ahead of 5-match Test series

Both Rahane and Vijay last played for India against Afghanistan in the only Test in Bengaluru

Ajinkya Rahane and Murali Vijay are going to feature in the India A team for the one-off unofficial Test against the England Lions at County Ground in Worcester, starting from Monday.

Both the batsmen are not included in India’s limited-overs series but are looking forward to the much-awaited Test series against England starting from August 1. On the other hand, the selectors are yet to announce the squad, however, these two are likely to make it into the team.

India’s vice-captain in whites, Rahane scored a memorable ton at Lords during India’s last tour of England in 2014. However, he has been missing the purple patch in the recent times. Both Rahane and Vijay last played for India against Afghanistan in the only Test in Bengaluru.

While players with the likes of Rahane, Vijay, Pujara and Ishant are gearing up for the Test series, skipper Virat Kohli has indicated the inclusion of the wrist spinner duo – Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad. Kuldeep has been featured in two Tests for India while Chahal is yet to make his debut.

India are presently playing the three-match ODI series that is levelled at 1-1 after the visitors lost the Lord’s encounter on Saturday.

Here's is the schedule of 5-match Test series starting from August 1

1st Test: August 1, Edgbaston, Birmingham

2nd Test: August 9, Lord's, London

3rd Test: August 18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham

4th Test: August 30, The Rose Bowl, Southampton

5th Test: September 7, Kennington Oval, London