India's England-Based League Cricketers Could Act As Reserves

Even though India are playing just one format during their three-and-a-half month long stay in England and travelling with 24 players unlike in Australia, where they played three formats in just over

Vidarbha batsman Apoorva Wankhede and Chhattisgarh player Sumit Ruikar are also there, among others. "It will be nice if I get called up to help the India side in any way. I have been travelling to United Kingdom regularly and scoring runs here," Fazal, who has reached Northern Ireland for league cricket after finishing quarantine, told IANS.

Fazal, with 125 first-class games, played an ODI for India in Zimbabwe in 2016 in which he scored a half-century. However, he hasn't been considered for even India A in recent times though he has led his state side to two Ranji Trophy title triumphs recently as well as scored runs in domestic cricket.

Lad, with 61 first-class games under his belt and Rohit Sharma's schoolmate, is playing in the Lancashire league. He has over 4,000 first-class runs.

"It depends on selectors and the team management if they decide to call up players from the league. The Board can't make a decision on it on its own," a senior Board official told IANS.

The selectors could find themselves in a Catch-22 situation if someone gets injured or falls sick. Many of the Indian team members like Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw will, most likely, be busy in a limited-overs series in Sri Lanka along with youngsters.

"It is impossible to call up players from outside since the bio-bubble is sacrosanct and the Indian team management will be extra careful after what happened in the Indian Premier League. So, whether it is from India or from England-based Indian first-class cricketers playing league, it will be tough to call up players," said the official.

"However, the fact that England is open and movement is free may prompt selectors to consider league cricketers if the team management finds it necessary."