The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has canceled the planned three-day match between the Indian men’s cricket team and the India A team. This match was set for November 15 to 17 at the WACA Ground in Perth. It was meant to prepare the team for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Instead of playing a match, the Indian team will focus on training. They will have net practice and centre wicket simulations during those three days. This change aims to help players get ready for tough conditions in Australia. The coaching staff believes that focused training will be more beneficial than a practice match.
Team India to Focus on Training
The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will start on November 22 in Perth. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India hopes to win their third straight Test series in Australia. This series is also important for the World Test Championship. India needs four wins from six matches to stay competitive. Meanwhile, Australia needs five wins from seven matches to stay on top.
Training sessions will include various drills and match scenarios. The players will work on their skills and strategies to face the Australian team. This preparation is crucial as they aim to perform well in challenging conditions. The coaching staff is confident that this approach will enhance team performance.
BCCI Scraps Warmup Match
Warm-up matches have helped teams prepare for tours in the past. In their last trip to Australia, India played a three-day game against Australia A. In 2018-19, they faced Cricket Australia XI in a four-day match. These experiences show how important it is to adjust to local conditions before facing strong opponents.
The absence of a warm-up match raises questions about player readiness. Many players benefit from time spent in match situations before a series begins. However, with focused training, the team hopes to simulate match conditions effectively and build confidence ahead of the Tests.
Team India to Practice at WACA
The WACA Ground is known for its unique pitch and bounce. Reports say that this bounce is similar to that at Perth Stadium. Therefore, Indian top-order batters need more practice time to adapt well. The coaching staff understands that acclimatizing to local conditions is vital for success.
Players will engage in specific drills designed to mimic game situations at WACA. This practice will help them understand how to handle the bounce and pace of the pitch. By focusing on these aspects, they aim to improve their performance during the tests when it matters most.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram