Australia Drops Formal Practice Match Before India Test Series

The Story in Brief

Australia will not play a formal practice match before the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, head coach Andrew McDonald said. The team plans a short camp in subcontinental conditions instead. The United Arab Emirates and a previous camp near Bengaluru are being considered, but no venue has been finalised.

The series begins on 21 January, with Tests scheduled in Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad. Australia may also prepare players outside its New Zealand Test squad for India rather than the Big Bash League. The final squad will depend on four Tests. Australia last won a Test series in India in 2004-05.

The Indian Opinion

Skipping a formal practice match does not by itself indicate confidence or weakness. A conditions-based camp could help Australia, but its value will only become clear during the series. The touring squad is not settled, and workload decisions may change. Strong claims about Australia’s prospects based only on this preparation choice would therefore be premature.

Source: thehindu.com

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