India, May 30 -- The Indian Test team's preparations for the five-Test England tour are underway, with the A side locking horns in the first of two unofficial Tests against England Lions. While the series carries no official status, its significance couldn't be higher for players vying for spots in the senior side, especially in the wake of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's retirements from Test cricket.

On a damp, overcast morning at Chester-le-Street, India A were sent in to bat on a green-tinged wicket tailor-made for seam and swing. The focus was on Abhimanyu Easwaran, the man leading the side and one who is also among the frontrunners to fill the void left by Rohit at the top of the order. But when the opportunity came, Easwaran failed...