India A To Tour New Zealand Ahead Of Senior Series As Test Squad Prepares For Sri Lanka

India A will undertake a shadow tour of New Zealand ahead of the senior team's upcoming multi-format series, with the assignment designed to provide crucial match practice and preparation in overseas conditions.

The India A tour will comprise three List A matches and two first-class games, providing an opportunity for the team management to assess players in both white-ball and red-ball cricket ahead of the senior team's New Zealand assignment.

The India A tour could feature some players from the national Test squad, with the assignment expected to help them acclimatise to New Zealand conditions ahead of the senior team's series. However, the squad is yet to be finalized.

The India A fixtures will include three 50-over matches followed by two first-class encounters, giving players opportunities to showcase their abilities across formats. The performances during the tour are likely to play a role in shaping India's squad options for future international assignments.

Meanwhile, India's Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour is tentatively scheduled to depart on August 4 or 5 . The team is expected to begin its acclimatisation programme with a warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Board President's XI from August 8 .

The practice fixture will allow the players to adjust to local conditions ahead of the opening Test, which is scheduled to start on August 15 . India will compete in a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, making preparation time an important factor before the competitive action begins.

The warm-up game will also provide the team management with an opportunity to assess player combinations and give match time to members of the squad before the first Test.

With the India A tour of New Zealand and the Sri Lanka Test series preparation taking place around the same period, the focus remains on ensuring players are ready for demanding international challenges across different conditions.