BCCI does a last-minute Nerve Wrecking damage control for Indian players in Australia, entry banned

In a recent development, the Indian national cricket team is reportedly set to play a three-day intra-squad warm-up match at the WACA Stadium in Perth. However, the upcoming intra-squad warm-up game will take place behind closed doors, with the general public not allowed from Friday to Sunday in Perth.

Earlier, it was reported that the Gautam Gambhir-led team management opted for match simulations on the center wicket in Perth instead of the planned intra-squad match. The BCCI canceled the practice game to focus on workload management ahead of the five-match Test series.

India Set to Play a Three-Day Intra-Squad Warm-Up Match at the WACA

However, according to a report in The West Australian, the Rohit Sharma-led team is set to play a three-day intra-squad warm-up match at the WACA. The BCCI has decided to play the match behind closed doors to maintain secrecy about their strategies ahead of the first Test against Australia.

The report further added that the BCCI has asked WACA ground staff to turn off their phones and avoid taking pictures during India's intra-squad practice match. The ground is to be covered with black screens to prevent public access. Notably, the visitors had a net session on Tuesday at the WACA.

IND vs AUS 1st Test to Take Place in Perth

The visiting team arrived in Perth earlier this week and began their preparations with the net session to acclimatize to Australian conditions. Players like Rishabh Pant, Ashwin, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul were seen in action, but Virat Kohli was notably absent from the practice session.

The first Test of the highly anticipated series is set to take place at Optus Stadium on Friday, November 22. Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney will host the remaining matches in the series. India will play a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI between the first and second Tests.

We Will Let You Know Exactly What The Situation Will Be - Gautam Gambhir

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul might open the batting in the Perth Test, with Rohit Sharma likely missing out due to the birth of his second child. Rohit didn't travel with the team to Perth. The skipper's availability for the series opener is uncertain.

"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 at a press conference in Mumbai on Monday before the squad's flight to Australia.

KL Rahul has scored 2,551 runs in 75 Test innings as an opener, with an average of 34.95, including seven centuries and 12 half-centuries. He scored 4 and 10 in his two outings for India A against Australia A in the second unofficial Test. Abhimanyu Easwaran is also another option for the opener role.

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