New Delhi. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has questioned India's decision not to play warmup matches before the BorderGavaskar Trophy. However, this issue is not just related to Team India.
India's approach is different from their previous two tours to Australia, where they played competitive practice matches against local teams to acclimatise to Australian conditions.
In both the 201819 and 202021 series, India used these matches to prepare for the series and got better results. However, this time India's first competitive match will be the first Test match against Australia at the Perth Stadium from Friday.
Vaughan raised questions about whether India had prepared well enough for the challenge of facing Australia at home. He expressed surprise at the BCCI's decision to cancel the threeday intra squad match at the WACA in favor of net sessions and match simulations.
Vaughan told Fox Sports, “I don't understand why a team like India wants to play just one intrasquad match before the series against Australia. How can you get yourself in that competitive mindset by playing intrasquad matches? Are.”
The former England captain spoke about the importance of playing at the WACA, saying it offers bounce and pace similar to the pitch at Perth's Optus Stadium. In this way, by taking a big risk, India has taken a big risk.
It is noteworthy that India is not alone in not playing practice matches on foreign tours. Australia also did not play practice matches before the tour of India and England last year citing scheduling problems.
With no practice matches to hone their game plans, the Indian team's adaptability will be tested right from the first ball at the Perth Stadium. According to Vaughan, this would be a big step and could result in setting the tone for the series.
He said that this is a very bold decision. If they start well, it will look like a masterstroke. If not, questions will be raised on their preparation.
The first Test between Australia and India will begin in Perth on Friday.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.