India’s team management has decided to cancel the scheduled three-day intra-squad match with India A during their upcoming Test tour of Australia. Originally set for November 15-17 at Perth’s WACA ground, the warm-up match would have served as preparation for the senior side ahead of the five-match Test series starting on November 22 in Perth. Instead, head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players believe that additional time in the nets will better serve their preparations.
The decision comes after India’s recent surprising home series loss to New Zealand, adding pressure to their tour of Australia, where they will be vying for a third consecutive series win. The series is particularly significant, as it could determine India’s qualification for the World Test Championship final.
The choice to forego the intra-squad game aligns with the team’s focus on acclimating to Australia’s distinctive bounce and pace. The WACA strip is known for its lively surface, which resembles the conditions expected at Perth Stadium for the Test series. The team believes that an intra-squad match might limit batters’ opportunities to adjust, as any early dismissals would reduce the time they have on the central strip.
This marks a shift from India’s previous approach to Australian tours. In 2018-19, India played a four-day practice game against a Cricket Australia XI, and during the 2020-21 series, they played a three-day match against Australia A before the Test series. A recent intra-squad game held in South Africa had mixed results, which may have influenced this decision.
India’s senior squad will fly to Australia shortly after the New Zealand series wraps up on November 5, giving them two weeks to settle into conditions and focus on their preparations.
