New Delhi: As we edge closer to the beginning of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia, the anticipation is reaching its peak. India vs Australia, arguably the biggest rivalry in world cricket currently will be reignited when the two teams lock horns in a gruelling five-match Test series starting at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 22.
Both teams are sweating it out ahead of the series opener in Perth, which many believe, will set the tone for the rest of the series. The fast and bouncy pitch at the Optus Stadium is expected to test the Indian batters, who are leaving no stone unturned to prepare for the ultimate test against the fearsome Australian attack.
Indian toil hard ahead of the series opener in Perth
Ahead of the series opener in Perth, the Indian stars toiled in a 3-day simulation game against India A. The inter-squad match witnessed the likes of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant among others trying to acclimatise to the conditions and get used to the pace of Perth.
On Day 1, Indian batters struggled to cope with the extra bounce and pace of the WACA pitch. Several batters like Kohli, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill suffered injury scares and cut a sorry figure against bowlers such as Navdeep Saini, Nitish Reddy and Mohammed Siraj.
Kohli was troubled on the lively track and was dismissed for 15 on the first day. He was then given a chance to bat again on the same day and scored 30 not out. Meanwhile, Rahul who was hit on the elbow on Day 1 has recovered from the blow and is raring to go in the series opener.
Abhishek Nayar gives insights into India’s simulation match
India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar gave a detailed account of the simulation game at WACA. In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on social media, Nayar revealed the discussion held by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma for the practice routine before departing for Australia.
💬💬 On track for the 22nd 🙌
Assistant Coach @abhisheknayar1 & Bowling Coach @mornemorkel65 wrap up #TeamIndia‘s Match Simulation in Perth 👌👌
WATCH 🎥🔽 #AUSvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 18, 2024
Nayar also revealed that ace paceman Jasprit Bumrah bowled 18 overs on Day 2 and looked in good rhythm ahead of the series opener.
Virat Kohli was troubled on the lively track and was dismissed for 15 on the first day of the 3-day simulation game. He was then given a chance to bat again on the same day and scored 30 not out. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
