Australian Test specialists will fly to Dubai to get a feel of the subcontinent conditions ahead of the tour of India where they will take on the hosts in four Test matches. Australia may play few practice matches against UAE and Afghanistan before they board the flight to India.
It's no surprise that Australia recognize the threat they face in India after New Zealand were whitewashed 3-0 and England were similarly demolished 4-0 by the hosts who are miles ahead of the rest on the ICC Test rankings. Australia haven't enjoyed best of times lately in the subcontinent as they were whitewashed by India in 2013, Pakistan in 2014 and Sri Lanka in 2016.
According to reports, Australia is scheduled to arrive in Dubai around February 8 and they are likely to play a four-day practice game in Mumbai before the first Test in Pune.
“Our Test specialists will fly to Dubai in the last week of January and those who will play One-dayers will join them after the three ODIs against New Zealand (on January 30, February 2 and 5). The idea is to avail the practice facilities at the ICC academy in Dubai,†CA spokesman said. “We’re discussion with the CA for a four-day game against the Aussies. Hopefully, it will happen,†said Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO Shafique Asmat.