Cricket

Indian Cricket Team Faces Challenges in Intra-Squad Match SimulationAs the Indian cricket team prepares for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, they faced a stern test in an intra-squad match simulation at the WACA in Perth. The intense session highlighted the challenges the team will encounter on Australian soil.The top-order batters faced a barrage of impressive bowling, with several falling victim to the bouncy Perth surfaces. Virat Kohli, who has been struggling for form, was caught behind for 15 after nicking a good-length delivery. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul also departed early, with Jaiswal caught behind for 15 and Rahul forced to leave the field after being struck on the elbow by a rising delivery from Prasidh Krishna.The conditions proved challenging for the Indian batters, with Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, and Nitish Reddy exploiting the bounce to trouble them. Shubman Gill was caught at gully, while Rishabh Pant was clean-bowled for 19.The match simulation served as a wake-up call for the Indian team, highlighting the need for them to adapt quickly to the Australian conditions. The pitch at the WACA provided enough movement to unsettle the batters, giving them a taste of what they can expect in the upcoming Test series.With the first Test set to begin on November 22, the Indian team will need to find a way to overcome the challenges posed by the bouncy Australian pitches. The intra-squad match simulation has provided them with valuable insights and will help them prepare for the tough battles ahead.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced criticism for canceling a warm-up match against India A ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In response to the poor form of Indian cricketers, the team has scheduled an intra-squad 3-day practice match behind closed doors.The intra-squad match at the WACA from Friday to Sunday will be held in lockdown conditions, with no public viewing allowed. This decision aims to keep internal matters private before the series begins.Indian players who arrived in Australia have commenced training sessions. Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin missed the optional first session. However, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant participated in the nets.India must defeat Australia 4-0 in the 5-match series to secure their World Test Championship final qualification. After losing 0-3 to New Zealand, India dropped to second in the points table, with Australia leading.The form of key players like Kohli, Pant, Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rohit Sharma will be crucial. Sharma's participation in the first Test at Perth remains uncertain.The BCCI's decision to cancel the warm-up match has raised concerns about the team's preparation. However, the intra-squad match provides an opportunity for players to regain form and build confidence ahead of the high-stakes series.