England Lions may have lost both the limited-overs and ‘Test’ series to India A, but head coach Andy Flower knows his players will return from the subcontinent more knowledgeable cricketers.
The Lions lost the second unofficial Test in Mysore by an innings to hand India A the series trophy but several players, including Ben Duckett, Sam Hain and Zak Chappell, put in eye-catching performances in the red ball matches.
Hain scored two fifties in the first ‘Test’, facing over 430 balls across his four innings in the series. Duckett also passed fifty twice, including 80 in the first innings in Wayanad, while Chappell was the pick of the Lions bowlers with seven wickets in the ‘Test’ series and 18 overall for the tour.
“I think there are a lot of learnings for each individual, and that goes for the players and some of the staff. Getting used to Indian conditions is a big part of touring here." Flower said.
“The opportunity presents itself in a series like this for those guys who have had a taste of international cricket but not played that much. Obviously guys like [Sam] Billings and Duckett will have wanted to score heavily in these games to put themselves at the forefront of the selectors’ minds. Sometimes that doesn’t work out, but without a doubt these guys will be more experienced and knowledgeable cricketers as a result from being out here.
“Duckett’s innings over the last two games [will have been noticed by selectors], Hain has shown a lot of composure and Zak Chappell has really impressed with the ball and his capacity to learn over the last five weeks. So there are little positive stories even in series losses.”
Flower stressed that ‘A’ tours are invaluable for providing the bridge between domestic and international cricket, giving the best young players around the world the chance to play against their peers.
Some players pass through the Lions setup quickly on their way to the national team, while others may take a while to adjust to the rigours of international cricket.
And Flower says the way the players react to new challenges on Lions tours are key to determining who has what it takes to thrive at the highest level.
“It’s tough to replicate a full Test match or one-day international because we don’t get the crowds to these types of games, but what you are getting is very good peer-against-peer competition. It’s the best of the emerging talent from each country going head-to-head against each other so it’s always interesting to see where the nations are at this level.
“That’s the sort of intense competition we’re looking for – we want to replicate as much as possible international matches and I think the programmes between ‘A’ sides are very important for the development opportunities available.
“Also, it’s important to help players see other countries and the more they’re comfortable in playing in foreign conditions the better the national side will be off in a few years’ time when they progress.”