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Two four-day matches between India A and Australia A, starting Tuesday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, promise to be more than just second-string contests — they could shape the Test futures of several players on both sides.
India has potential vacancies in its batting order with series against the West Indies and South Africa looming later this year, while Australia is already looking ahead to its next tour of India in 2027. That contrast gives the series its edge: for some, like Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal, the path back to the senior side could open quickly, while for others, like Sam Konstas and Todd Murphy, the focus will be on laying foundations for the long haul.
Iyer, absent from the Test setup since 2024, will lead the India A side in the two games. It is a crucial chance for him to push for a recall in the longer format, where he has scored 811 runs in 24 innings at an average of 36.86. Padikkal finds himself in a similar place: he last featured in the Perth Test against Australia in 2024 but missed the subsequent England tour.
Subplots within the side
While the broader focus remains on competing against the touring Australians, there are multiple subplots within the Indian side.
Abhimanyu Easwaran has travelled on multiple Test tours but is yet to make his debut. The opener will need big runs, and with KL Rahul set to join for the second game, Easwaran could find himself directly competing with the senior opener for a place in the A team as well.
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Padikkal will likely line up alongside his direct competitor at No. 3, Sai Sudharsan, who played in England. The two left-handers are expected to start together, with one opening and the other slotting in at one down.
There is at least one spot vacant in the senior side — at No. 5 — and Iyer will have his eyes on it. Although he is likely to bat at No. 4 in these games, runs here could help him stake a claim for that role in the near future.
Potential deep batting lineup
The series will also mark Nitish Kumar Reddy’s return after the injury setback he suffered in England. He is likely to slot in at No. 7, while also offering a third seam-bowling option alongside Khaleel Ahmed and Prasidh Krishna. For Ahmed, an India A call-up after his Duleep Trophy stint is a timely boost, especially with the senior side on the lookout for a left-arm pacer — making this a crucial series for him as well.
With Tanush Kotian and either Harsh Dubey or Manav Suthar expected to handle spin duties, the trio’s proven batting record suggests the selectors are aiming to build a batting-heavy side without compromising on bowling depth. Off-spinner Kotian, who was called up as a backup during the Australia tour, will be keen to strengthen his case as Washington Sundar’s backup in the senior setup with a strong showing here.
Preparing for the long haul
Off-spinner Todd Murphy, who was part of Australia’s previous tour to India and picked up 14 wickets, including a seven-wicket haul in Nagpur, has travelled with the A squad. The 24-year-old has featured in only seven Tests so far and will be keen to stay prepared, especially with veteran Nathan Lyon entering the twilight of his career.
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Dashing opener Konstas has had a start-stop Test career. Despite a thunderous debut against India, he was dropped after the West Indies tour. With an opener’s role still up for grabs, the 19-year-old has a chance not only to show his readiness for the Ashes but also to give selectors a glimpse of how he handles subcontinent conditions. Nathan McSweeney, who also made his Test debut against India last year, will be equally eager to make a strong impression and push for a return as a senior opener.
For Australia A as a whole, the series presents a valuable chance to build familiarity with Indian conditions — something that has repeatedly tested visiting sides. Batting long on slow surfaces, countering high-quality spin, and maintaining intensity across four days will be crucial benchmarks for this group.
While an India tour in 2027 might seem distant, laying the groundwork now could be crucial in ensuring the next generation of Australian Test cricketers arrives better prepared than their predecessors.
Published on Sep 15, 2025
