KL Rahul has pleaded with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to include him in the India A squad for the second unofficial Test against England Lions. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has approved the request, paving the way for the experienced right-hander to gain red-ball match time ahead of India’s five-Test series in England. Rahul made himself available after Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs. The BCCI had initially picked Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan for the second India A game. However, Gujarat Titans’ progression to the playoffs complicated their availability, making Rahul’s case timely. A source close to BCCI told the Indian Express, “He will be flying on Monday and will be playing a second unofficial test with the India A side. As he is part of the senior men’s team, which will be playing five Test matches in the series, these matches will give him game time and match practice.” India A, captained by Abhimanyu Easwaran, began their red-ball tour on Friday at Canterbury. This series serves as a key preparatory step not only for Rahul but for several other Test squad members expected to feature in the England series. Read also: 'We Are So Jobless': Rakul Preet on Kohli-Avneet Insta Controversy India A Build Steady Platform, Nair-Sarfaraz Stand Strong Meanwhile, on Day 1 of the first unofficial Test at St Lawrence Ground, India A were 148 for 2 in 41 overs at the end of the second session. After early setbacks, the visitors recovered through a solid unbeaten partnership between Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan. Skipper Easwaran fell early for 8, and Yashasvi Jaiswal managed 24 before edging one to the keeper. Karun Nair held the innings together with a composed 62 off 101 balls, laced with 11 boundaries. Sarfaraz Khan remained unbeaten on 42 off 74 deliveries, steady at the other end. The pair added 97 runs for the third wicket, absorbing pressure and keeping the scoreboard moving. England Lions had opted to bowl first. Among the bowlers, Josh Hull and Edward Jack picked up one wicket apiece but failed to build on the early inroads.