Published: November 29, 2024
The Indian cricket team is all set to face the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball warm-up match starting November 30, 2024, at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. This practice game will serve as crucial preparation for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a day-night match scheduled to commence on December 6 in Adelaide.
The Significance of the Match
The warm-up fixture comes at a pivotal time for the visitors, who are gearing up for their first pink-ball Test since 2022. The Indian team is fresh off a commanding 295-run victory in Perth, and this match provides an opportunity to adapt to the challenges posed by playing under lights. The day-night format tends to favor bowlers in the final session, making preparation all the more critical.
Additionally, the match marks the return of Rohit Sharma, who rejoined the squad and will resume his leadership duties. However, Shubman Gill’s availability remains uncertain, with the opener undergoing final assessments after batting in the nets ahead of the game.
For the hosts, the warm-up game is a chance for players like Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas to audition for the opener’s slot, especially after Nathan McSweeney’s lackluster debut in the first Test. Jack Edwards will lead the PM’s XI squad, comprising several promising Australian players eager to leave an impression.
Pink-Ball History
India last played a pink-ball Test in Adelaide three years ago, where they were bowled out for a mere 36 runs, marking a low point in their cricketing history. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, the team aims to turn the page and create positive memories this time around.
Match Details
Start Time:
- November 30 and December 1, 2024
- 9:10 AM IST (2:40 PM local time)
Venue:
- Manuka Oval, Canberra
Squads
India:
Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, Sarfaraz Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Ravindra Jadeja, Abhimanyu Easwaran
Prime Minister’s XI:
Jack Edwards (C), Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Scott Boland, Jack Clayton, Aidan O’Connor, Ollie Davies, Jayden Goodwin, Sam Harper, Hanno Jacobs, Sam Konstas, Lloyd Pope, Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan
What’s at Stake?
For India, this warm-up match is a platform to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the second Test, where they will aim to take a 2-0 lead in the series. For the PM’s XI, it’s an opportunity for budding Australian cricketers to test themselves against some of the world’s best.
Stay tuned to BOSI for updates and insights on this exciting clash and all the action from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy!
