In 366 days, India will step onto the park for its 2027 ODI World Cup opener against Australia in Cape Town, South Africa. The ‘A’ squads of both nations will contest a three-match one-day series starting at the Cricket Association of Pondicherry Stadium on Tuesday, hoping to book a ticket to the plateaus of southern Africa next year.
The countdown to the global tournament will seem to be ticking faster for these players, as opportunities to stake a claim for selection diminish with each passing day. Both India and Australia have fairly settled squads in the 50-over format, leaving only a few spots up for grabs.
The India-A squad for the one-dayers wears a similar look to the one that participated in a tri-series involving Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in June. Among those added was all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The series was a critical step to gauge his fitness ahead of the New Zealand tour later this month. But a reported shin injury has ruled him out. Mumbai’s Suryansh Shedge has been named his replacement. Jharkhand’s Anukul Roy has replaced Naman Dhir, who has been added to the squad for the West Indies T20Is.
“There is a lot of flexibility in this squad. All these players are multi-dimensional and can fit into any role,” said India-A coach L. Balaji.
“India-A is a direct pathway toward the international stage — you saw Anshul Kamboj getting an immediate opportunity. BCCI has been phenomenal in scheduling these opportunities for youngsters,” he added.
Only six players remain from the Australia-A side that lost the multi-day leg 0-1 a few days ago. A fresh set of pacers, including the uncapped Mahli Beardman, will have the chance to improve their stocks ahead of a World Cup year.
The first match of the one-day series will be a day-night contest, starting at 2 p.m.
