Team India’s highly-anticipated Test tour of Australia is all set to get underway on November 22 in Perth’s Optus Stadium. The two teams are slated to square off in a five-match series for the first time in over three decades.
In order to prepare for the challenging assignment, the visiting Indian side is reportedly set to play a warm-up fixture at the WACA in Perth, although the BCCI has denied any public viewing of the same.
The development comes a day after India held their first practice session at the old Test venue. Earlier, the Indian board had decided to scrap the team’s intra-squad game against India ‘A’ and opted for net sessions and centre-wicket match simulation practices instead.
According to a report in The West Australian, India will participate in a three-day intra-squad warm-up match at the WACA, scheduled to begin on Friday (November 15). However, the general public won't be allowed to watch the match as BCCI made an intervention to keep the stadium under lockdown.
During India’s nets session on Tuesday (November 12), the grill bordering the practice area was completely covered from public view and restrictions were implemented on the use of phone by the staff and other ground officials.
Star batter Virat Kohli skipped the training session on Tuesday, which was reportedly an optional one. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin also the notable absentees as well. The likes of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, however, hit the nets, along with wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
Jaiswal and Rahul could be India's opening combination in the series opener, with captain Rohit Sharma likely to miss out due to the birth of his second child. Rohit did not travel with the Indian team to Perth, with the management still unsure of his availability.
"At the moment, there is no confirmation, but we will let you know exactly what the situation will be. Hopefully, he's going to be available, but everything we're going to get to know at the start of the series," India head coach Gautam Gambhir said during an interaction with media before leaving for Australia on Monday (November 11).
Gambhir also backed Rahul to open the batting if Rohit misses out the first Test, with another option being Abhimanyu Easwaran receiving his debut cap in Perth.
"Obviously, there is Easwaran, there is KL Rahul. We will take a call ahead of the 1st Test if Rohit is unavailable. There are options there. It's not like there are no options. Once we get closer to the 1st Test, we will try and put in the best playing XI."
