The Indian cricket team management has recently sparked headlines with its decision to allow public access to its center-wicket training sessions in Perth. This move comes amid Australian media reports claiming the team’s practices were strictly guarded, with alleged restrictions on onlookers and construction workers near the WACA Ground.
Australian Media’s Claims on Restricted Access
An article from The Australian was among the first to report that public access to India’s training was prohibited. The report stated that individuals working at the WACA precinct were asked to avoid observing or documenting the sessions, suggesting a heightened level of secrecy in India’s preparations for the upcoming Test match at Perth Stadium.
“The extent to which India is keeping their practice guarded is laid bare in a leaked email issued to workers involved in the WACA refurbishment, due to be completed next year,” the newspaper reported.
Alleged Email to Construction Workers
The claims by the Australian media were based on an alleged email from Adam Sauzier of ADCO Constructions, a firm responsible for the WACA’s renovations. According to the media, this email directed workers to refrain from capturing photographs, flying drones, or even observing the training sessions.
“Not only has the public been barred from watching India train, even those working in the precinct are under strict instructions not to take a peek, according to an email sent by Adam Sauzier of ADCO Constructions, who is building the new facility.”
Quoting the e-mail, the newspaper wrote: “This week India and India A are training at the WACA Ground from Tuesday 12 November until Sunday 17 November, as part of India’s preparation for the Test Match at Perth Stadium the following week.
“During all training sessions, please do not take any photos or videos or fly any drones, of the training sessions and please do not sit and watch the sessions.”
The leading daily further said, “The memo also makes reference to an India v India A match that had been scheduled from Friday to Sunday but has since been scrapped with the tourists instead preferring to have centre wicket practice.”
Contrary to the claims, the Indian team management has confirmed that the training sessions from Friday to Sunday will be open to the public. These sessions include match simulations and an intra-squad warm-up game involving India A, designed to give players valuable practice under near-match conditions.
BCCI’s Response to the Allegations
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) swiftly responded to the controversy. A source from the BCCI clarified that no official communication was sent to restrict public access to the training sessions. They assured that Indian and Australian media, as well as fans, are welcome to observe the practice sessions, countering the claims made by the Australian media and emphasizing the openness of the Indian team.
“Neither from India or from India A such a request, at least on official capacity, has gone demanding closed-door net sessions. The practice session is open to all. The Indian and Australian media can watch and cover for as long as they want. There is no such restrictions till now,” a source in the know of things told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
The India A team has arrived in Perth to join the senior squad in an intra-squad practice match. These sessions, designed as match simulations, provide players with an opportunity to hone their skills in a competitive yet controlled environment.
“Obviously it won’t be a three-day official first-class match where if a batter gets out in first over, he won’t have access to centre wicket. It will be match simulation where any number of batters can bat,” the source added.
The management’s strategy includes intense center-wicket sessions, with key players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant practicing against quality bowlers like Mohammed Siraj. By tailoring sessions to ensure that top players face high-quality opposition from their own squad, the team can better prepare for upcoming matches and ensure that each player is in peak form.
