India A captain Shreyas Iyer has quit ahead of the second unofficial Test and has withdrawn from the match. Dhruv Jurel will take over the captaincy duties in his absence.
Shreyas Iyer Withdraws Ahead of 2nd Unofficial Test
Shreyas Iyer has returned to his home in Lucknow after receiving an emergency call, which has reportedly been described as a personal emergency and communicated to the BCCI. Dhruv Jurel fills in as captain, with no replacement named yet.
“Yes, Shreyas is taking a break and has returned to Mumbai. He has informed the selectors that he won't be able to play in the second four-day match against Australia A. However, he remains in the fray for a spot in the middle order when the selectors meet to pick the squad for the West Indies series,” a source was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
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Iyer managed just 8 off 13 in the first innings of the unofficial Test before falling lbw to Corey Rocchiccioli — a controversial umpiring call, with many believing the ball was missing leg.
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The PBKS captain has been in contention for a Test squad comeback for the upcoming West Indies series. However, his lacklustre outing in the Duleep Trophy for West Zone, followed by missing the second unofficial Test, could invite backlash.
Squad Updates Ahead of Second Test
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj will replace Khaleel Ahmed in the squad as part of his preparation for the West Indies tour, while Nitish Kumar Reddy will miss the second Test due to a knee injury.
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The rain-affected first unofficial Test ended in a high-scoring draw, with both India A and Australia A declaring after crossing 530. All eyes are now on the final game, crucial for several fringe players eyeing a Test call-up.
