The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah will be having a talk with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officials to allow two warm-ups matches for the Indian team ahead of the five-Test series against England starting August 4.
As per reports of the Indian Express, Shah spoke to Indian team management about this on Thursday, and they also agreed that the players will need those tune-up games before the long series ahead. Top BCCI officials, too, it has been learnt, have come on board with the idea after an internal meeting.
“Jay (Shah) will be speaking to ECB and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Harrison to make an arrangement for two warm-up games before the five-Test match series. The secretary felt that the BCCI should request the ECB to give at least two warm-up games so that players can get in some good match practice before the series starts,” said BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal.
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However, it is not clear whether the preparation games requested will be a four or three-day affair.
This comes after India lost the final of the ICC World Test Championship to New Zealand and lack of match practice was cited as one of the reasons for the loss, given that India only played one intra-squad match before the WTC Final, while New Zealand came off a two-Test series against England.
The Indian team has been given a three-week break before they regroup ahead of the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on August 4. Players have been given the luxury of traveling but will be required to report back immediately when called upon.
In its press statement earlier, ECB chief executive officer Harrison, said, “We are looking forward to staging a memorable summer of men’s and women’s international cricket when fans are set to return to venues.”
“Ensuring the safest possible environment for international cricket is our first priority and we are appreciative for the understanding of our fellow boards. We look forward to welcoming a men’s India A tour at a later date after this summer and when restrictions have eased. It will provide a valuable opportunity for players from both countries to experience high-quality cricket and to showcase the talent within our England Lions team and first-class counties,” the statement further read.
(indianexpress.com inputs)
