As India gears up for their upcoming Test series against Australia, the team held a intra-squad practice match at the iconic WACA ground in Perth.
With the fast-paced pitches and challenging conditions, this session was designed to simulate real match scenarios, allowing players to refine their techniques and build confidence.
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The match saw some impressive performances but also a few concerning moments for team India.
Updates from the India's intra-squad practice match in Perth
Day 3: KL Rahul returns to action; untroubled as he bats on the centre wicket and the nets
KL Rahul who went off injured on the first day of the match simulations after getting hit by a bouncer returned to bat on the third day and faced Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj and other top bowlers. The batter looked untroubled during his stay on the pitch.
He batted with both new and old balls on the centre wicket followed by a session in the nets. Rahul also faced side-arm throwers in the nets.
Gill ruled out of the Perth Test; Devdutt Padikkal is to be called in as the replacement
Shubman Gill who was hit on his left thumb in the slips during the second day of match simulation has been ruled out of the Perth Test, starting from November 22 due to a confirmed fracture from the scans. He is likely to be available for the second Test in Adelaide from December 6.
Devdutt Padikkal, following the impressive performances during the India A vs Australia A games is set to be roped into the main team as a backup.
Shubman Gill injured during the practice game, doubt for Perth Test
Indian top-order batter Shubman Gill is reported to have been injured while fielding at slips during the simulation match against India A.
If he is ruled out, it will be a big blow for India as Rohit Sharma is also likely to miss out. Gill is expected to return for the second Test, according to TOI reporter Gaurav Gupta.
KL Rahul was injured in yesterday's session while batting and did not return for the second innings.
With Abhimanyu Easwaran out of form and Ruturaj Gaikwad showing looking in good flow earlier today, will the CSK captain get a look-in?
#Breaking: Big blow for India just ahead of BGT...India batter Shubman Gill hurts his finger while taking a catch in slips during match simulation vs India A at Perth, in doubt for 1st Test vs Australia from November 22 at Perth..likely to return for 2nd Test #BGT2024
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) November 16, 2024
Harshit Rana impresses in practice match after being tasked with bowling bouncers
Delhi and KKR bowler Harshit Rana looked in good rhythm in the simulation match at Perth, where he was seen bowling short-ball to test the Indian batters.
The Indian team could potentially hand him a debut in one of the matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Ruturaj Gaikwad smashes four sixes - takes on R Ashwin at Perth
Is the CSK skipper making a late entry for the opening role in the absence of Rohit Sharma? Looks unlikely but if KL Rahul remains injured, you never know!
Gaikwad hit 4 sixes, two against R Ashwin, one each against Manav Suthar and Harshit Rana.
🚨 Updates from Perth
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 16, 2024
4 Sixes from Ruturaj Gaikwad - 2 Vs Ashwin 1 Vs Sutar and one vs Rana - After playing for more than an hour made his way to Sarfaraz Khan.#AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/yGMIjk4Wzp
DAY2: Abhimanyu Easwaran fails yet again in Australian conditions
The Bengal opener who was selected for India A and the Indian team tour of Australia, took the flight after being in great form in domestic red ball, but, he has only looked the shadow of himself down under.
During the Duleep Trophy, he hit two centuries India B and went on to score an unbeaten 127* against UP in the Ranji Trophy.
However, he combined to score just 36 runs in his 4 innings vs Australia A, and has now been dismissed cheaply in the simulation match at Perth.
Another Indian batter falls to a flash outside the off-stump. Abhimanyu Easwaran the man now, who just hasn’t looked the part so far on this tour in these conditions #AusvInd
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 16, 2024
It appears that the opener has not been able to adapt to the Aussie conditions yet. Does that limit his chances of featuring in the Border Gavaskar Trophy?
Rishabh Pant bowled by Mukesh Kumar; Virat Kohli finds rhythm
Kohli finished his practice while batting at 30* after spending some time in the middle with Pant, who was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar.
Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Prasidh Krishna were reported to have troubled both the batters, with their line and lengths.
Pant, who attempted to counter it by stepping down the pitch, had only mixed success.
Looks like Virat Kohli is done for the day. Was on 30 after batting for an hour. Started to get in rhythm after a shaky start.
— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) November 15, 2024
Pant was bowled by the impressive Mukesh Kumar. Second time in the day he had been bowled
2nd innings begins after Lunch break
KL Rahul did not come out to bat; Batters look much better after Lunch
The questions remain how young Yashasvi Jaiswal will adapt to the challenging conditions at Perth and beyond, given his inexperience of touring countries like Australia.
Shubman Gill & Yashasvi Jaiswal looking a lot better in their second innings for the day. Jaiswal’s ramp off Navdeep Saini the standout while a number of the other batters having a long hit in the nets with Virat Kohli back in there too now #AusvInd
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 15, 2024
Jasprit Bumrah prepares for captaincy in the absence of Rohit Sharma
If Rohit is unavailable for the opening Test, vice-captain Bumrah will take over the leadership duties. The latter was seen having an intense discussion with the head coach and with pacer Prasidh Krishna during the break.
Jasprit Bumrah & Gautam Gambhir have been in the middle of an intense one-on-one chat for well over an hour now, right through the lunch-break. Also spotted Bumrah earlier hanging near the dugout & passing on some advice to Prasidh Krishna. He’s all in as a leader #AusvInd
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 15, 2024
India attempts a mock spin strategy at WACA ahead of Perth Test
According to ESPN Cricinfo, India bowled spin from both ends with Washington Sundar and Tanush Kotian, ahead of the first Test at Perth, which is expected to be a fast bowler-friendly surface.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul open the batting
The practice match began with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opening the innings. Jaiswal impressed early on, confidently handling Australia-like conditions and dealing well with short-pitched deliveries.
This might be a sign of who India's openers might be for the opening Test at Perth if Rohit Sharma is not available.
Match-like setting at the WACA, even if the iconic scoreboard doesn’t carry any names. KL Rahul & Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the batting, possibly a sign of things to come next Friday? Prasidh Krishna continues to impress while Jaiswal looking great against the short ball #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/A528CVgelx
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 15, 2024
KL Rahul injured: Risk for first BGT Test against Australia at Perth?
However, KL Rahul faced an early setback. A rising delivery struck him on his right elbow, causing visible discomfort.
Although he initially attempted to continue batting, the pain forced him to leave the field for assessment. The team’s medical staff is keeping a close watch on Rahul’s condition, and the management remains hopeful for a quick recovery.
KL Rahul’s not looking very comfortable after being struck on his right elbow/forearm off a rising delivery. Tried to resume batting by shaking it off but clearly couldn’t. And now leaving with the physio #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/JFivRNx7af
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 15, 2024
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Virat Kohli gets out cheaply
Following the openers, Virat Kohli took to the crease, drawing attention with his signature cover drives. His elegance and timing were on full display as he sent two stunning shots through the covers, evoking excitement among onlookers.
Despite his promising start, Kohli’s innings was cut short at 15 runs when he edged a delivery from Mukesh Kumar to second slip. Disappointed, he headed back but went directly to the nets for a throwdown session, working on his timing and technique to prepare for the upcoming series.
A couple of beautiful cover drives - but Virat Kohli has nicked a good length delivery to second slip. Another typical WACA dismissal. He made 15
— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) November 15, 2024
Rishabh Pant falls quickly
Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive play, brought intensity to the session. He started with an attacking approach, aiming to adapt quickly to the WACA’s bounce.
However, he seemed uncomfortable with shorter deliveries, eventually getting bowled by Nitish Reddy for 19 runs.
Rishabh Pant was clean bowled by Nitish Reddy for 19. He started aggressively but looked a bit shaky against a short of a length
— Tristan Lavalette (@trislavalette) November 15, 2024
Prasidh Krishna impresses
Among the bowlers, Prasidh Krishna stood out with his disciplined lines and controlled pace. He effectively tested the batsmen with accuracy, demonstrating his potential as a reliable bowler on fast Australian pitches.
Krishna’s performance adds depth to India’s bowling lineup, raising hopes for a balanced attack when the series officially begins. With just days left before the first Test, and while injuries and dismissals are concerning, the overall preparation looks promising.
Concerns for Team India ahead of bouncy Perth challenge in first Test
Several Australian commentators have predicted a tough challenge and result for India at Perth, given the relative inexperience of playing in these bouncy conditions, particularly for the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Khan.
In the intra-squad simulation match, Indian batters struggled against the bounce and were dismissed via edges against the fast bowlers.
It hasn’t looked like a pitch that’s done loads but Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini & Nitish Reddy have run through what you’d think is a first-choice batting line-up for India. Kohli, Jaiswal, Gill (gully), Jurel all caught edging behind the wicket, as per the norm in Perth #AusvInd
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 15, 2024
MORE: 'Aussies will clean up India in 4 days': Ex-Australia star predicts Perth Test
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