# Australia to skip practice match before India Test series

2026-08-06T11:50:43+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Australia will not play a formal practice match before the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, head coach Andrew McDonald said. The team will instead hold a short camp in conditions similar to the subcontinent. Options include the UAE and a previous camp near Bengaluru, but no venue has been finalised. The series starts on 21 January with Tests in Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. Players outside the home Test squad against New Zealand may prepare for India instead of playing in the Big Bash League. The final squad will be decided after the New Zealand series. Australia last won a Test series in India in 2004-05.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/no-practice-games-for-australia-before-next-years-india-tests-head-coach-mcdonald/article71311010.ece>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/australia-opts-for-preparatory-camp-over-practice-matches-ahead-of-india-test-series-next-year/20260805.htm>

Tags: Australia cricket, Border-Gavaskar Trophy, cricket preparation, India Tests
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