The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly scrapped a three-day intra-squad game between the senior team and their A team at the Waca ahead of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The three-day intra-squad game, from November 15, was supposed to be the only warm-up that the team would play in Australia before the first Test in Perth from November 22.

The team will instead focus on training sessions and centre-wicket match simulation scenarios at the Waca. The BCCI didn’t issue any clarification to such reports from Australia on Friday.

The team had begun their last tour of Australia with a three-day game against Australia A. In the series before that, in 2018-19, the Indian team had faced Cricket Australia XI in a four-day game.

Rohit’s men chase a third consecutive series triumph in Australia after 2-1 victories in their previous two encounters.

Sunil Gavaskar has always been vocal about incorporating practice matches into the team’s preparation since it provides valuable playing time for both batters and bowlers. The former captain feels playing on alien surfaces helps batters and bowlers find their rhythm and form, even if it comes against second-rated opponents.

He recently even highlighted the historical pattern of Indian teams struggling in the initial matches of series against SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, often losing the first Test and then playing catch-up.

Gavaskar recommended proper planning and playing matches.

Australia are also likely to train at the Waca after India’s stint at the ground in what will be important preparation for some players who have had limited first-class matches under their belt.

“Going to be some good centre 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 was recently quoted as saying.

The series against Australia will have ramifications on which team qualifies for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next June. India need four wins from six matches, including the ongoing Mumbai Test, while Australia require five off seven matches to seal the top spot.

Rohit’s men will look to move on from their series defeat against New Zealand
at home.