Rohit Sharma's Team India has their sights set on upcoming five-match Test series against Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This series is scheduled to take place in November-December 2024 and January 2025 and is also part of the ICC World Test Championship. India have been focusing on team combinations and other aspects during the ongoing home season to ensure a smooth transition into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Preparation will undoubtedly be crucial for the Rohit Sharma-led side in this series, and they must be fully aware of its importance.
Rohit Sharma's brigade to play intra-squad match vs India A ahead of BGT 2024-2025
Rohit Sharma's brigade will participate in a warm-up game ahead of the main series in Australia. According to Cricbuzz reports, this warm-up match will be an internal affair, played against the touring India 'A' side. The India 'A' team is scheduled to compete in a two-match series against Australia 'A' during the same tour.
The reports suggest that the India vs India 'A' warm-up game will be held from November 15 to 17 at the WACA in Perth. This match will serve as valuable preparation for the Rohit Sharma-led side, as they are set to play the first Test of the series at the new Perth Stadium on November 22.
Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead India A in warm-up against Border-Gavaskar Trophy-bound Team India
The India 'A' team will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Prior to the warm-up game against the main Indian team, it is anticipated that several Test players will join the 'A' team for their matches against Australia 'A'.
The 'A' team's first match is scheduled to take place at the Great Barrier Reef Arena from October 31 to November 3, while the second match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from November 7 to 10.
An official from Cricket Australia confirmed that the warm-up game between India and India 'A' will be an internal affair and that the number of players involved will depend on India's decision. The official stated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will have the final say on the matter. In an interview with Cricbuzz, the official explained:
"It's (an) internal (match), so up to India how they use the game. Maybe some of the Test players may play in the India A games, but again, it's up to the BCCI. Not many countries seem to play warm-up games these days. Australia didn't play any before the last series in India."
Peter Roach, CA's head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, announced the schedule for the India 'A' tour, highlighting the significance of the India 'A' vs Australia 'A' series as a precursor to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Roach expressed his enthusiasm for the series, stating:
"The 2024-25 summer is highlighted by the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, the first five-Test series between the two giants in more than 30 years. To have that running simultaneously with the women's ODIs and preceded by two significant Australia A v India A matches will be terrific for our fans.
"Hosting those A matches at the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG give these A matches significant status and will provide great opportunities to players from both sides to put up their hand for selection."
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22nd. Following that, Adelaide will host the second Test match from December 6. The third Test will be played at the Gabba on December 14, followed by the fourth Test at the MCG and the final Test at the SCG, scheduled for December 26 and January 3 respectively.
