India’s upcoming tour of Australia will feature a crucial two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra. This fixture, scheduled for November 30 and December 1 at Manuka Oval, will serve as a vital preparation for the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide.
In recent years, the Prime Minister’s XI match has been a four-day contest, but it has been shortened to two days for India’s visit. This change reflects the importance of the day-night Test in Adelaide, where India suffered a humiliating defeat in 2020-21. However, the team famously rallied to win the series 2-1, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
India’s previous experience with day-night Tests is limited to four matches, including a recent encounter against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Australia, on the other hand, has played 12 day-night Tests, all on home soil. Despite their experience, Australia suffered their first defeat with the pink ball last season against West Indies in Brisbane.
The Prime Minister’s XI has emerged as a formidable side in recent seasons, effectively serving as an Australia A team. Matt Renshaw has been particularly impressive in the last two fixtures, scoring three centuries. However, the pitch at Manuka Oval has drawn criticism for being slow and low, raising concerns about its suitability for Test preparation.
Before facing the Prime Minister’s XI, India will engage in an intra-squad warm-up at the WACA from November 15-18. They will arrive in Australia after completing a three-match home Test series against New Zealand. Additionally, an India A squad will tour Australia from late October, playing two four-day matches in Mackay and Melbourne.
