India will play an intra-squad match at WACA ahead of the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 test.
As per the reports, this will be a three-day intra-squad warm-up match starting Friday (15th November). It will be behind closed doors with the fans not allowed. The India management has kept secrecy about the team’s training sessions. They haven’t opted for any warm-up or practice match either and want to focus on training and match simulations.
According to The West Australian, the management has prohibited the recording of the Indian team’s training sessions. Even the WACA ground officials are prohibited from taking pictures or recording the Indian team. India has also opted for a handful of net bowlers keeping in mind their privacy.
Furthermore, the reports say that even Cricket Australia’s officials were not informed about India’s arrival in Perth. Team India made Perth their ‘base’ during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Usually, the nets at WACA are open to the general public and fans. But at the moment they are wrapped using black sheets to keep them hidden from the streets.
India will be without Rohit Sharma for first test
Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to be unavailable for the first test. Reports said that Rohit and Ritika (his wife) are expecting their second child. He hasn’t travelled with the Indian team either.
Speedster Jasprit Bumrah will lead the side in Rohit’s absence. Bumrah has already led the side once in England.
The Indian team suffered a historic defeat against the Kiwis in their last test series. The 3-0 defeat at home has affected their chances of reaching the World Test Championship final.
The visitors will have to win the BGT by 4-0 or 5-0 to keep their chances alive for the WTC final. India has played in both the World Test Championship finals. They ended up as the runners-up on both occasions.
The Indian team has won the last two series down under. They will be eyeing a similar performance this time as well with the first test starting from 22nd November.
