Tilak Varma Set To Play Third Unofficial Test For India A Before Joining ODI Squad

India's Tilak Verma is likely to play in the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A before joining the senior squad for the final two ODIs of the tour. The selectors are keen to give him more exposure to red ball cricket ahead of India's upcoming matches. With no competitive matches scheduled for him between November 2 and November 13, the four day game offers an opportunity to gain valuable match practice before returning back to the white-ball format for the reamaining matches.

According to reports, selectors are planning to include Tilak in the India A squad for the third unofficial Test against New Zealand A, which starts on November 7 at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. He is currently not a part of India's squad for the first three ODIs and has been picked for the fourth and fifth matches in Tauranga on November 13 and 15. This decision is aimed at giving Tilak valuable red ball parctice before India's two Test series against New Zealand which begins on November 19.

The 23 year old already has a strong and impressive record, having scored 1828 runs in 25 matches at an average 57.12, including eight centuries and seven half centuries. Tilak also represented South Zone in the Duleep Trophy, where he dcored 266 runs in three innings, including a acentury and a 99 run knock. 

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has completed his routine fitness assessment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is set to join the Indian team in New Zealand. However, Rishabh Pant's comeback remains uncertain as his rehabilitation is still underway. He is yet to receive Return to Play clearance, leaving his availability for the third unofficiak Test in doubt.

India will begin their two match Test seies against New Zealand on November 19 in Wellington.

Featured Video Of The Day

Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver, Yashvir Singh Bronze As India Seal Double Podium In CWG Javelin