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Team India’s decision to cancel their only practice match in Australia ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in order to spend more time in the nets has surprised former India coach and captain Anil Kumble.
The senior Indian team had a practice match scheduled against India ‘A’ before the series opener, but decided to not go ahead with that plan and rather practice at the WACA in Perth, which has similar pitch conditions to the Optus Stadium, venue of the opening Test beginning November 22.
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Talking about India’s decision while preparing for the first Test, Kumble said he can’t wrap his head around the late call, which came after the series whitewash at home against New Zealand.
“I’m a bit surprised that India don’t have a practice match going into the first Test because that would have been an ideal preparation. No matter how much you practice in the nets, going out in the middle and facing a few bowlers in the match is totally different,” Kumble said on a JioCinema show.
India’s batting failed miserably on turning pitches in Pune and Mumbai after losing the first Test in rainy Bengaluru. After India decided to cancel their practice game in Australia, and batsman KL Rahul and wicketkeeper Dhurv Jurel, who have been picked in the Test squad, were asked to join India A for their second unofficial Test against Australia A, beginning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from November 7.
After opening their home season with a 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, India suffered an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand. It was the first time in history that India were swept in a home Test series of three matches.
India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship now hinge on their performance in the five Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
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