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New Delhi: Before their five-Test series against England beginning June 20 the Indian cricket team held a closed-door practice match on June 13. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reported that newly appointed captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul both scored half-centuries. The upcoming Test series in England is crucial for captain Gill whose average there is a low 14.66. His captaincy appointment generated mixed opinions due to his past performance in similar cricketing conditions. However he retains the selectors and managements support and a strong showing in a recent practice match suggests hes ready to prove himself. Rahul opened the Australia series on a high note thereby confirming his place in the Indian Test team as an opener. His performances were especially valuable in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and he wants to continue this prosperity. His position in the team was unsecure before the tour of Australia but the recent success has guaranteed him a position as an important player. Rahuls strong performance including a 116 and a 51 in an intra-squad match and against the England Lions suggests he will be a key player in the upcoming five-match series. Shardul Thakurs wicket-taking performance has increased his chances of playing in the first Test at Edgbaston. His batting ability could give him an advantage over Nitish Kumar Reddy for a spot in the team. Players and support staff wore black armbands during an internal match to commemorate the victims of the June 12th Ahmedabad plane crash.