The Indian cricket team has centred its practice sessions in Perth around adapting to Australian conditions ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With a four-year gap since their last Test series in Australia, the team is aiming for a historic third consecutive series win and crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shared that the team management and senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, meticulously planned the three-day preparation period. The objective was to provide ample time for both experienced and young players to adjust and familiarize themselves with the conditions.
“The idea was to give everyone, especially the younger guys, enough time in the centre to adapt and understand the nuances of playing here,” Nayar explained in a video posted by the BCCI.
Batting and Bowling Drills to Build Match Readiness
The training sessions were structured to replicate game scenarios and optimize player performance. On the first day, the players engaged in a match simulation where they were given a second chance after being dismissed. This approach helped them adapt better during their subsequent attempts, allowing them to grow more comfortable with the conditions.
The second day involved a combination of net practice and center-wicket training to refine both the quantity and quality of practice. The focus wasn’t limited to the batters; bowlers underwent intense workloads to prepare for the rigors of Test cricket. “Day two saw bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah bowling extended spells of 18 overs to build match fitness and acclimate to the demands of Test conditions,” Nayar shared.
Mixed Results and Injury Updates
While the practice matches provided valuable insights, they also revealed some mixed performances and injury concerns. Virat Kohli, who has had a challenging year in Tests, managed scores of 15 and 30, while young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal impressed with an unbeaten 58. However, injuries have been a setback, with KL Rahul sustaining an arm blow during training, though he has since recovered.
Shubman Gill, unfortunately, has been ruled out of the opening Test due to a thumb fracture. Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic about its readiness for the series. By focusing on adaptability and match simulation, India hopes to gain an edge in this critical tour.
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