India Opts for Match Simulations Over Practice Matches Ahead of Australia Tour
India’s upcoming tour of Australia will be a daunting challenge, especially considering their recent 0-3 defeat to New Zealand. However, the team has opted to forgo practice matches in favor of match simulations with India A. This decision was made to maximize preparation time and ensure that all players receive adequate workload.
Captain Rohit Sharma explained the rationale behind this choice. He emphasized that the team has a large squad of 19 players and only three days were allotted for practice matches. He expressed concerns that this limited time would not allow for sufficient workload distribution.
Instead, India will engage in match simulations where batters can spend extended periods at the crease and bowlers can bowl a significant number of deliveries. This format allows for more targeted preparation and flexibility, as batters can be retired out to give others an opportunity to bat.
India A, which includes several members of the Test squad, has already played a four-day game against Australia A. Rohit expressed confidence that the match simulation with India A will provide valuable preparation, especially given the similarities between the WACA and Optus Stadium, where the first Test will be played.
The five-Test series in Australia has taken on even greater significance as India needs to win four matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final next year. Rohit’s availability for the first Test is uncertain, but he remains hopeful of joining the team in Perth.