India will head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar series without any practice matches, choosing instead to conduct centre-wicket training sessions with India A. This decision, made before India’s recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, means that the first formal game for the squad will be the opening Test in Perth.
Explaining the choice, captain Rohit Sharma highlighted that the team management believes match simulation offers more preparation value. “With only three days available, a practice game wouldn’t allow much workload preparation for our 19-member squad,” Rohit explained. “Match simulation lets batters spend more time in the middle and allows bowlers to focus on bowling volume, which we find more beneficial.”
India A, already in Australia, recently played a four-day game against Australia A in Mackay, providing a solid base for the upcoming Test squad members and other domestic performers. In match simulations, India can rotate players and control the batting and bowling workload, something Rohit sees as key for effective preparation.
The training sessions will take place at the WACA in Perth, a venue chosen for its similarity to the conditions expected at the Optus Stadium. With the added pressure of needing to win four out of five Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final, India’s approach to maximizing preparation time will be crucial.