In an effort to remedy their challenges in Test cricket, the BCCI has scheduled three four-day matches against the England Lions, set to take place between the conclusion of the IPL on May 25 and the commencement of the Test series in England on June 20, as reported by ESPNCricinfo. This series is anticipated to provide a vital opportunity for players to assert their candidacy for selection or to regain their form following a disappointing 2024 season.

India's batting vulnerabilities have come under intense scrutiny after a troubling campaign. The team experienced a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand on home turf, marking the end of their decade-long supremacy, followed by a 3-1 defeat in Australia, resulting in the loss of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade.

For the first time in three editions, India also failed to qualify for the World Test Championship final. With additional time available, even regular Test players may find themselves competing for India A to refine their skills.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s choice to "opt out" of the Sydney Test highlighted the issues within India's batting lineup. Although he later clarified that he was not retiring and was "not going anywhere," his absence raised concerns regarding his preparedness for the longest format of the game.

Likewise, Virat Kohli is under increasing pressure to enhance his technique, having averaged 30.72 since 2020 and achieving only three centuries. Kohli's frequent dismissals off the outside edge during the series in Australia revealed a deficiency in scoring options off the back foot, an aspect that necessitates immediate improvement.

BCCI optimistic for strong Lions

India's batters face an additional hurdle, as they will participate in only one Ranji Trophy match prior to joining the ODI squad for the series against England. Although the T20 Blast schedule in England may impact the caliber of the opposition for India A, the BCCI remains hopeful regarding the strength of the England Lions.

This optimism is rooted in the reciprocal agreements with the ECB, which allowed a formidable team to compete against the Lions during their tour of India in the 2023-24 season, alongside England's Test squad.

The opposition faced by the England Lions in the 2023-24 season included notable Indian players such as Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna, all of whom subsequently made their Test debuts. Likewise, during India's shadow tour in Australia, they encountered players like Scott Boland and Nathan McSweeney, who participated in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The BCCI is eager to provide the batters with this series as an opportunity to advocate for their selection. The performances in these matches could significantly impact the selectors' choices when forming the squad for the Tests against England.

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