Latest Cricket News

The Indian cricket team has begun its preparations for the much-anticipated first Test against Australia, set to take place at Optus Stadium, Perth, from November 22. With the series playing a crucial role in both teams' ambitions for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final, both India and Australia are gearing up for an intense battle.

THE STAKES FOR BOTH TEAMS

This series holds significant importance for both teams. Australia will look to avoid a third consecutive series loss to India on home soil, while the visitors are coming off a disappointing 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand. This marks India's first Test series loss on home soil in 12 years, adding extra motivation as they look to bounce back strongly.

INDIAN PLAYERS BEGIN TRAINING AT WACA GROUND

The Indian squad commenced their practice sessions at the Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) ground, which is undergoing redevelopment. The venue is expected to be fully ready before next season. Despite some key players missing from Tuesday’s session, the practice was intense, with players like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal working hard in the nets.

The batters focused on adjusting to the challenging fast and bouncy conditions that are characteristic of Australian pitches. Local Perth club bowlers were brought in to bowl to the Indian players, with a focus on back-of-a-length deliveries, although bouncers were kept to a minimum. Jaiswal, known for his aggressive style, was seen taking on the challenge with his usual attacking flair, even hitting a ball that cleared the nets and landed on Braithwaite Street. Pant, though looking fluent in his batting, was struck on his body by a delivery during the session.

KEY PLAYERS JOIN THE PRACTICE ON WEDNESDAY

By Wednesday, several senior players, including Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, joined the practice. Virat, in particular, looked sharp, spending over an hour facing pace bowlers and adapting to both back-of-the-length and full-length deliveries. He moved between different nets and worked on his technique against fast bowling.

INDIA'S MISSION: 4-0 SERIES WIN FOR WTC FINAL QUALIFICATION

India enters the series with a clear objective: to win by a 4-0 margin. A series victory of this magnitude will ensure India’s direct qualification for the ICC World Test Championship final, marking their third consecutive appearance in London. After the first Test in Perth, the action will shift to Adelaide for the second Test, which will be a day-night affair scheduled from December 6 to 10.

UPCOMING FIXTURES IN THE BORDER-GAVASKAR TROPHY

- First Test (Perth): November 22-26  

- Second Test (Adelaide): December 6-10 (Day-Night)  

- Third Test (Brisbane): December 14-18  

- Fourth Test (Melbourne): December 26-30 (Boxing Day Test)  

- Fifth Test (Sydney): January 3-7  

INDIA'S SQUAD FOR BORDER-GAVASKAR SERIES

Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.

AUSTRALIA'S SQUAD FOR THE FIRST TEST

Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Both teams are now fully focused on what promises to be a thrilling Test series, with high stakes and a fierce competition for a spot in the WTC final. Fans can expect exciting cricket as India and Australia battle it out over the coming weeks.