India is set to play a 3-day intra-squad game at the WACA Stadium in Perth, ahead of their first Test against Australia, despite strict lockdown measures imposed by the BCCI. The game will take place from Friday to Sunday, serving as a warm-up before the highly anticipated five-match Test series, which starts on November 22 at Optus Stadium.
After initially canceling a scheduled intra-squad match between India and India A, the BCCI decided to hold a closed-door practice game for the 18-member senior squad. The WACA Ground will host the match, but the BCCI has implemented stringent restrictions to prevent the public from viewing the session. The West Australian reports that WACA staff must turn off their phones and avoid taking photos. Black covers will also shield the ground, keeping the area hidden from prying eyes.
India arrived in Perth earlier this week and began their practice sessions at WACA, with key players like Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul spotted preparing for the series. However, Virat Kohli was notably absent from the nets.
Ahead of the series opener, the Perth pitch curator warned that the Optus Stadium wicket could offer significant bounce, carry, and pace, with around 10mm of grass expected to favor fast bowlers. The curator is confident that the wicket will maintain its condition for the duration of the five-day match, presenting a challenging prospect for both teams.
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