In a surprising turn of events, India has decided to forego the traditional external warm-up matches ahead of their much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, opting instead for an internal contest. This warm-up game will take place against the touring India ‘A’ side. This strategic move has piqued the interest of cricket enthusiasts and insiders alike as it signals a shift in approach leading up to the five-Test series.
The internal warm-up contest, scheduled from November 15 to 17, will be held at the iconic WACA Ground in Perth. This match will serve as a precursor to the inaugural Test at the newly developed Perth Stadium, commencing on November 22. The decision to utilize the touring India ‘A’ team, which will have been acclimatizing in Australia for a few weeks, showcases a novel approach by the Indian cricketing authorities.
Before participating in this internal warm-up game, the India ‘A’ team will have faced off in a two-match series against Australia ‘A’. The first of these encounters is slated to take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from October 31 to November 3, while the second match is scheduled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from November 7 to 10. During these games, India ‘A’ might provide valuable playing time for some of India’s Test regulars who could benefit from the competitive action before the main series kicks off.
The composition of the India ‘A’ squad is yet to be unveiled by Indian selectors, but cricket followers anticipate an announcement in the coming week. Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to captain the side, which could potentially feature some notable Test players. On the other hand, the Australian side is set to reveal their Australia ‘A’ roster on October 14, with chief selector George Bailey hosting a media briefing to address the press and update on players’ fitness, including the uncertain availability of Cameron Green due to his back injury.
Despite the absence of official warm-up games, a practice traditionally seen as essential, a Cricket Australia (CA) officer explained that the trend recently has been moving away from these matches. “It’s an internal match, so it’s up to India how they utilize the game.
. Some Test players may choose to participate in the India A games, but it’s up to the BCCI. Many countries have foregone official warm-up games lately. Even during Australia’s last tour of India for the four-Test series earlier in 2023, no warm-up games were played,” the official stated.
This stance by both the Indian and Australian boards marks a departure from past norms, perhaps signaling a new era in testing preparations for international tours. Peter Roach, CA’s head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, discussed the innovative scheduling in May, emphasizing the significance of the 2024-25 summer: “This five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is monumental, being the first of its kind in more than 30 years. To have it run concurrently with women’s ODIs and preceded by critical Australia A vs. India A matches is extraordinary for our fans.”
“The upgraded venues like the Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG bestow significant status on the A matches, offering players from both nations the chance to push for selection,” Roach added, acknowledging the strategic importance of these pre-series matches.
Following the opening Test in Perth, the series will continue across esteemed cricket venues. Adelaide will host the second Test from December 6 to 10, followed by Brisbane from December 14 to 18. The traditional Boxing Day Test will be played in Melbourne from December 26 to 30, culminating with the final encounter in Sydney from January 3 to 7.
As cricket fans across the globe keenly await the unfolding of this prestigious series, the choice of an internal warm-up game indicates a growing adaptation within the sport to newer methodologies in preparation. With each team’s strategies under scrutiny, the upcoming matches promise not only fierce on-field battles but also a fascinating glimpse into their evolving tactical landscapes.