Last Update on: February 2nd, 2023 at 01:20 pm

Australia will tour India for a four-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in 2023, with the first match starting on February 9 in Nagpur. The Australian team held a brief pre-series camp in Sydney on spin-friendly wickets ranging from rank-turners to slow-turners, with SG balls to help the players adapt to the conditions. They have a four-day camp in Alur, Bengaluru, after their arrival on Wednesday.

The Pat Cummins-led side will be hoping for their first series win in India since 2004. The Aussies came close to winning the Test series in India in 2017, beating the hosts by 333 runs in the first Test in Pune.

However, the hosts made a comeback to win the series 2-1. They have done well in the subcontinent, winning the Test series in Pakistan and drawing in Sri Lanka in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Australia were practicing on worn-out pitches in Sydney before arriving in India (Image Credits: Twitter)

We Got Served Up A Green-Top – Steve Smith

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia’s vice-captain Steve Smith defended the decision not to play any practice games ahead of the Test series and said they had no confidence in the practice pitches as they were served green top last time.

“The last time we went I’m pretty sure we got served up a green-top (to practice on) and it was sort of irrelevant. We’re better off having our own nets and getting spinners in and bowling as much as they can. We’ll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we’ve made the right decision to not play a tour match,” Steve Smith said.

IPL 2023 | India National Cricket Team | IND vs AUS 2023 | India vs Australia 2023

The Australian team will practice on customized pitches to prepare for the turning tracks in Nagpur, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, with the help of Andrew McDonald and Daniel Vettori on the coaching staff. The two players, who have worked as coaches and players for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), have connected to organize a four-day training camp ahead of the first Test.

The first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place in Nagpur on February 9. The second test will be held in Delhi (February 17–21), the third in Dharamsala (March 1–5), and the fourth in Ahmedabad (March 9-13).

Also read: IND vs AUS: “Since He’s Gone, All Of A Sudden, That Responsibility Is Onto Me” – Hardik Pandya Says He Doesn’t Mind Playing MS Dhoni’s Role

IND vs AUS: Australia To Practise On Customize Pitches In Alur, Bengaluru To Adopt Spin Conditions Ahead Of The 1st Test Of The Border Gavaskar Trophy – Reports

We Got Served Up A Green-Top – Steve Smith

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