IND-A Vs AUS-A Unofficial Test Series 2025: Date, Time, Venue And Live Streaming Details

India A and Australia A are set to ignite the red-ball rivalry at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow as both teams gear up for a two-match unofficial Test series, beginning September 16. The series not only offers a platform for players on the fringe of the senior squad but also serves as a litmus test for leadership, form, and future Test prospects ahead of the West Indies tour early next year.

Shreyas Iyer Leads a Hungry India A Squad

Back in the red-ball format after nearly 20 months, Shreyas Iyer leads the India A side with redemption and resurgence on his mind. The middle-order batter, who last featured in a Test match in January 2024, will be keen to put up a strong case for national recall with consistent performances. This series gives him a unique opportunity to prove his mettle not just with the bat but as a leader commanding a team filled with both experience and potential.

Key India A Players to Watch:

Shreyas Iyer (C) – Comeback trail, leadership spotlight
Sai Sudharsan – Technique and timing in focus
Devdutt Padikkal – Elegance at the top, consistency needed
Dhruv Jurel (VC/WK) – Tactical brain, safe hands
Prasidh Krishna & Khaleel Ahmed – Pace duo to test Aussie temperament
Abhimanyu Easwaran, N Jagadeesan – Red-ball specialists hungry to break through

With KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj joining only for the second match, the first Test becomes critical for young players like Ayush Badoni, Rajat Patidar, and spinner Harsh Dubey to stake their claim.

Australia A: Testing Indian Waters with Grit and Aspirations

Australia A land in India with a strategic mix of potential Test stars and experienced domestic performers. With the senior side’s upcoming overseas Test tour looming, every ball in Lucknow could determine career-defining opportunities.

Key Australia A Players to Watch:

Sam Konstas vs Nathan McSweeney – Opener’s shootout for senior Test slot
Xavier Bartlett (C) – Seam spearhead, bounce and accuracy
Cooper Connolly – Left-arm swing and lower-order grit
Todd Murphy – Subcontinental spin asset
Aaron Hardie – Multi-dimensional threat with bat and ball

Captain Bartlett will aim to marshal a bowling attack that can adapt quickly to the typically dry, slow Lucknow surface, especially as the game progresses.

Pitch and Conditions at Ekana Stadium

Historically, the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has offered:

True bounce early in the match, aiding batters
Gradual wear and tear bringing spinners into play by Day 3
Sluggish outfield that rewards placement over power
Average first-innings scores ranging between 280–320

The first hour’s play is expected to be crucial for seamers, but spinners like Harsh Dubey and Todd Murphy could hold the key as cracks widen over time.

Tactical Outlook

India A may look to bat first, allowing their top order and spinners to utilize the best of conditions.
Australia A, with Bartlett’s pace and Murphy’s variation, may experiment with aggressive field settings early to disrupt rhythm.
All eyes will be on how captains Iyer and Bartlett handle transitions across sessions—a key trait for future Test skippers.

Head-to-Head Context & Historical Importance

While unofficial, the India A vs Australia A encounters have often mirrored the intensity of senior-level contests. With past stars like Ajinkya Rahane, Usman Khawaja, and Pat Cummins having graduated through A-level tours, this series holds immense career impact.

The red-ball contests are also crucial from a selection viewpoint as the BCCI and Cricket Australia eye long-term stability in their Test core. A strong show here could mean a senior debut or re-entry in early 2026.

Fixture Details

Match	Date	Venue	Start Time (IST)	Start Time (GMT)
First Unofficial Test	September 16	Ekana Stadium, Lucknow	9:30 AM	4:00 AM
Second Unofficial Test	September 23	Ekana Stadium, Lucknow	9:30 AM	4:00 AM

Broadcast and Streaming

The matches will not be televised, but fans can follow live streaming on the JioHotstar app, offering exclusive ball-by-ball coverage.

Key Battles to Watch

Sudharsan vs Bartlett: Precision vs timing
Jurel vs Murphy: Tactical reading and sweep game
Hardie vs Krishna: All-round firepower under scrutiny
McSweeney vs Khaleel: Left-arm angle and patience

🇮🇳 India A Probable XI (1st Test):

Sai Sudharsan
Abhimanyu Easwaran
Shreyas Iyer (C)
Devdutt Padikkal
N Jagadeesan (WK)
Ayush Badoni
Dhruv Jurel (VC)
Prasidh Krishna
Khaleel Ahmed
Harsh Dubey
Akash Deep

🇦🇺 Australia A Probable XI:

Sam Konstas
Nathan McSweeney
Aaron Hardie
Sune Luus
Cooper Connolly
Todd Murphy
Xavier Bartlett (C)
Matthew Gilkes (WK)
Annerie Dercksen
Masabata Klaas
Tanveer Sangha

Stakes High, Futures at Stake

For India A, the return of Iyer and the inclusion of Rahul and Siraj in the second game indicate a sharp focus on reinforcing Test depth. For Australia A, this tour is a key test of adaptability and grit in spin-friendly conditions. With red-ball cricket once again in the spotlight, this series promises high-quality cricket and selection intrigue.

Stay tuned as Lucknow becomes the proving ground for the next generation of Test cricket gladiators.

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