Sat Nov 02 10:44:49 UTC 2024: ## India Ditches Intra-Squad Match in Australia, Focuses on Net Practice Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
**Perth, Australia:** The Indian Cricket Team, led by Rohit Sharma, has decided to scrap a planned three-day intra-squad match against India A ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy, opting instead for additional net practice sessions. The decision comes as the team prepares for the five-match Test series, which begins on November 22nd in Perth.
The match, scheduled to take place at the WACA in Perth from November 15th to 17th, was meant to provide the senior team with valuable match practice before the main series. However, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and several senior players advocated for a more focused approach, emphasizing the need for extensive net sessions.
The team’s decision is likely influenced by their recent disappointing home series loss to New Zealand and the pressure to secure a third consecutive Test series victory in Australia. Moreover, a spot in the World Test Championship final is also at stake, adding further weight to this tour.
The WACA centre strip, known for its bounce similar to the Perth Stadium track, has prompted the top order batters to prioritize time in the middle. An intra-squad match might not be conducive to this, as a batter dismissed early might not get a chance to bat again on the crucial pitch.
This marks a departure from India’s previous two tours of Australia, where the team engaged in practice matches prior to the series. This change reflects a strategic shift in the team’s preparation strategy as they aim for a successful campaign against their arch-rivals.
First Piper 