BCCI scraps Rohit Sharma vs Ruturaj Gaikwad showdown as intra-squad game cancelled ahead of BGT

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly canceled the three-day intra-squad match between the senior team and India A in Perth. This practice match was planned to be the Rohit Sharma-led side's ideal preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia.

The Indian cricket team was scheduled to kick off their tour of Australia with a red-ball game against India A, who are currently engaged in a two-match series against Australia A. Team India will have a warm-up match with a pink ball against Australia's Prime Minister’s XI before the second Test match.

BCCI Cancels Intra-Squad Match Between India And India A

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo on November 1, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has canceled the three-day intra-squad match. However, the Indian team management has decided to utilize those days for training sessions in the nets and practice on the center wickets at the WACA.

"ESPNcricinfo understands India's hierarchy have changed plans and instead opted for the squad to train during those three days, which will include net sessions and centre wicket match simulation scenarios at the WACA," the portal reported.

Rohit Sharma's India Side Set To Depart For Australia Next Week

India, who have secured victories in their last two series in Australia, started their tours with practice matches. They played a three-day game against Australia A in 2020-21 and a four-day match against Cricket Australia XI in 2018-19. However, this time they will start with the lack of game time in Australia.

The India Test team, led by Rohit Sharma, is set to depart for Australia next week after their third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. They will kick off a five-match series starting on November 22 in Perth, with the remaining four Tests scheduled to take place in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.

A positive aspect for India is that some players from their squad are currently in Australia competing against the Australia A team. Abhimanyu Easwaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, and Navdeep Saini are gaining valuable practice with India A. Three of them are included as reserves.

It's Probably Going To Be Enough - Steve Smith

India will benefit from center wicket simulations and net sessions at the WACA, and Australia may gain even more. After India’s training from November 15 to 17, the Australian team will practice on the same pitch, which is similar to that of Perth Stadium, where the first Test will be played.

Steve Smith emphasized that this preparation will be valuable for players who have had limited match experience, as practicing in similar conditions to those expected at Optus Stadium will be helpful.

“Going to be some good center wickets with our boys bowling in Perth, in similar conditions to what you’re going to get at Optus Stadium. It’s probably going to be enough,” Steve Smith had recently said about preparing for the Test series with centre wicket practice at the WACA.

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