BCCI Cancels Intra-Squad Game: Fans React as India Misses Easy Win Against India A
Steve Smith, the Australian captain, commented on the team's training, stating, “Going to be some good centre wickets with our boys bowling in Perth, in similar conditions to what you are going to get at Optus Stadium. It is probably going to be enough.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the decision to cancel the scheduled three-day intra-squad match between the Indian cricket team and India A at the WACA Stadium in Perth. This match was meant to serve as a warm-up ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting with the first Test in Perth on November 22.
Initially set to take place from November 15 to 17, the intra-squad game was scrapped in favor of training sessions, including net practice and center-wicket simulations. According to ESPNCricinfo, this decision reflects a shift in strategy from playing a warm-up match against a domestic Australian side to focusing on preparation in similar conditions to those expected at Optus Stadium.
Steve Smith, the Australian captain, commented on the team's training, stating, “Going to be some good centre wickets with our boys bowling in Perth, in similar conditions to what you are going to get at Optus Stadium. It is probably going to be enough.”
The decision to forego the intra-squad match disappointed fans who were eager to see the team in action and believed it would have provided valuable practice against a strong opposition. In past tours, India had engaged in preparatory matches, such as a four-day game against the Cricket Australia XI before the 2018-19 series and a three-day match against Australia A prior to the 2020-21 series.
India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is expected to leave for Australia shortly after concluding the ongoing third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The series against Australia promises excitement, as the first Test is set for November 22, followed by matches at venues like Adelaide Oval, Brisbane's Gabba, and Melbourne's MCG.
The Indian squad includes Rohit Sharma as captain and Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain, with a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers. As fans look forward to the upcoming series, the absence of the intra-squad match raises questions about the team's readiness to face the formidable Australian side on their home turf.
