IND A v SA A | Jalaj Saxena joins India A squad as cover for Krishnappa Gowtham

After a convincing 4-1 win in the one-dayers, the India ‘A’ side led by Shubman Gill will take on South Africa A for two unofficial Tests – the first at the Greenfield Stadium in Kerala and the second at Mysore. The hosts have picked Shahbaz Nadeem as the lone specialist spinner, while Krishnappa Gowtham, an off-spinner himself, will play the role of the all-rounder. India A also has Shivam Dube as a bowling all-rounder, but injury concern to Gowtham means that Jalaj gets the nod, albeit as a cover.

The off-spinner, who currently plays for Kerala, has been in terrific form in the recent past. After making his first-class debut way back in 2005-06 for Madhya Pradesh, Jalaj has come good particularly well in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 first-class seasons bagging 36 and 44 wickets at 24.36 respectively. He also bowled incisive spells in the just-concluded Duleep Trophy, ending up with seven wickets. Jalaj is also a useful batsman, having notched up 6044 runs at an average of just over 37.