Here is my team...

to take on the England Lions starting Friday the 13th.

Wasim Jaffer
Gautam Gambhir
Sachin Tendulkar(c)
Saurav Ganguly
Yuvraj Singh
MS Dhoni(wk)
Zaheer Khan
Ranadeb Bose
Ishant Sharma
RP Singh
Ramesh Powar

Here's why

• Jaffer needs a good workout before the first test and his showing against Sussex was not upto scratch.

• If Karthik is to play the first test as a keeper, then it will not be prudent for him to open. In that case, Gambhir becomes the automatic choice for opener.If Karthik plays as opener,then Dhoni should don the gloves.
• Sachin and Saurav need a hit in the middle and so become automatic selections.
  
• Yuvraj Singh, like Wasim Jaffer, did not have a decent outing against Sussex and so, makes the cut.
  
• Dravid needs rest and recuperation for his strained calf. And Laxman had a pretty decent outing against Sussex, so both he and Dravid can sit this game out.
• MS Dhoni like Yuvraj, needs some time in the middle. If the finger injury has sufficiently healed, it will behoove India to have him as first choice wicketkeeper.
• Zaheer Khan picks himself
• Ranadeb Bose as opposed to Sreesanth will be contentious, especially given the proximity of the three day game to the first test. But as the three day game is more an assessment of the resources and their match fitness, it would make sense to play both Ishant Sharma and Ranadeb Bose. Also, going into the first Test, if India choose to front up a four seam one spin attack, the identity of the fourth seamer is better established now than during the game.
  
• RP Singh hit his straps in the game against Sussex and it is a line call playing him versus Sreesanth. While RP Singh participated in the ODI jamboree in the detour that was Ireland, Sreesanth was recovering from the flu. However, Sreesanth was impressive against Sussex and seems to have gained decent match fitness.
• Ramesh Powar because he needs a game. Anil Kumble was, as is his wont, accurate. And looked in good nick with the ball in hand.Does he need another game before the first test? I don't think so. I would rather have the bench get some match time and assess how they are shaping along rather than over play the guys who are automatic selections for the first test.

Now, the England Lions ( or Pom Lions or Plions) are fielding an impressive set of players, including Andrew Strauss (capt), Owais Shah, Jonathan Trott, Ravi Bopara and Stuart Broad. Guys who we will see more of during the Test and Twenty20 and ODI series. Players who the Indians MUST target to get the early advantage.

An intriguing battle beckons..