With the highly anticipated five-match test series of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 which begins in the second half of November, the Indian team are set to play a warm-up fixture at the WACA in Perth, although the BCCI has denied any public view for the game.
The development omes after India’s first practice session at the old test venue. Earlier, Indian board has decided to scrap a intra squad match against India A and opted for net sessiona and simulation practices instead.
According to reports, India will play in a three-day intra-squad warm-up game at the WACA, scheduled to begin on Friday.
During India’s practices session, the grill bordering the practice area were covered completely from public view and restriction were implemented on the use of phone by the staff and other ground officials.
It is stated that Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin missed the training session. The likes of KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal along with Rishcba pant hit the nets.
If Rohit Sharma misses out the first test, Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open. It is worth mentioning that Rohit did not travel with Indian team to Perth, with the management still unsure of his availability.
“At the moment, there is no confirmation, but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he’s going to be available, but everything we’re going to get to know at the start of the series,” said Gautam Gambhir.
Gambhir aslo backed KL Rahul to open if Rohit Sharma misses the first test, with another option Abhimanyu Easwaran receiving his debut cap in Perth.
“Obviously, there is Easwaran, there is KL Rahul. We will take a call ahead of the 1st Test if Rohit is unavailable. There are options there. It’s not like there are no options. Once we get closer to the 1st Test, we will try and put in the best playing XI.”
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
