India scraps intra-squad game in Perth ahead of Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25
India were slated to play India A.
The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has decided to shelve their intra-squad game at the WACA. After the scrapping, India’s first Test against Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 will be their first competitive game on tour.
Looking to register their third straight Test series win in Australia, India were all set to take on India A in a warm-up game in Perth from November 15-17. However, recent reports that have come forward suggested that the Indian team has instead opted to train the squad for the three days instead of playing a match.
As per reports, the training will include net sessions and centre wicket match simulation scenarios at the WACA. It is also worth noting that after the Indian team, Australia is expected to train at the WACA as well. Recently, veteran Australia batter Steve Smith took centre stage and talked about the nature of the pitch in Perth.
"Going to be some good centre wickets with our boys bowling in Perth, in similar conditions to what you're going to get at Optus Stadium. [It's] probably going to be enough,” Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Furthermore, the intra-squad game for India was slated to be played behind closed doors; however, there were reports of the game being open for the public, like India's two matches against a WA XI side before the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Also Read: India squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy, South Africa tour announced
India look to make amends in NZ series
Speaking of the Indian team currently, the side is occupied in the three-game Test series against New Zealand. It is worth noting that in a historic feat, New Zealand have clinched the series against India, defeating the side in the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune, respectively.
However, the goal for the hosts now is to avoid the whitewash. For the third and final Test, India and New Zealand lock horns at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 as India look to make amends.
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