Rohit Sharma revealed that practice match has been replaced with match simulation in Perth.
The Indian men's cricket team is expected to go to Australia later this week to compete in a five-match Test series beginning on November 22 in Perth. The Indian squad was supposed to play India A as a warm-up, however the three-day encounter was canceled.
Instead, India captain Rohit Sharma said that the players will participate in an extensive match simulation on center wicket to gain a better understanding of the surface and circumstances in Australia.
Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian captain, and great hitter, begs India to reconsider canceling the match.
According to him, players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel, who are visiting Australia for the first time, would have the opportunity to become acquainted with the bounce and surfaces in Australia during the warm-up match.
“I really do believe that they should have a warm-up game. In the gaps between Test matches, they really should have warm-up games. Not necessarily for the senior players. But for the junior players who have never played in Australia before. For the Yashasvi Jaiswals, the Sarfaraz Khans, the Dhruv Jurels, all these young batters. Even against an Australia A team or a state side like Queensland. Juniors must be given the opportunity to get used to the bounce and pitches in Australia," he was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Gavaskar's reply came after Indian hitters failed to perform well in a three-match Test series at home against New Zealand. India lost all three matches against New Zealand and must now win four of the next five to qualify for the WTC 2025 final.
The renowned batsman was frustrated with India's dismal performance in the series against New Zealand, but he believes it is time to rally behind the team ahead of the major visit.
“One can understand losing a Test match, which has happened before, but all three Test matches are tough to take. But we have to back the team because we have a big tour ahead. We can’t start criticizing the team. Yes, it’s very disappointing. We all know how good these players have been over so many years. So what I would say to them is, ‘Just forget it like it was a bad dream.’ Just totally focus on Australia. Go there, practice with purpose and the intent of winning a series for the third time. Whether you win 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, whatever. That’s the one thing that will lift the Indian cricket-loving public,” Gavaskar said.
“Occasionally, when they don’t play well and I am on air, I will say that they haven’t played well. I would also urge everybody around not to get critical about what has happened. They have done India proud over so many years," he added.
The BGT 2024 will begin with the first Test in Perth starting from November 22 onwards.