By India A and Australia A are set to play a couple of four-day games later this year as part of their preparation for the Border-Gavaskar Test series. Cricket Australia has confirmed that both matches will be granted first-class status.
The series will offer valuable preparation for the Australian team ahead of the five-match series against India. Australia has lost the last two home series to India and will be looking to turn the tables this time.
Some of Australia’s Test regulars may feature in this series by opting out of the Pakistan ODIs and T20Is, which clash with the ‘A’ series. Similarly, some of India’s Test squad players may also participate in the series.
Australia A to Host India A Before Border-Gavaskar
The first game will be held from October 31 to November 3 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. The teams will then move to Melbourne to play at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will also host the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar series.
India’s senior side, coming off Tests against New Zealand and Bangladesh, will face the same India A squad in an Intra Squad match after the conclusion of the ‘A’ series. The Intra Squad match is scheduled to take place at the WACA in Perth from November 15-17.
“Hosting those A matches at the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG gives these ‘A’ matches significant status and will provide great opportunities to players from both sides to stake their claim for selection,” said Peter Roach, CA Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling.
The series between India A and Australia A will not only serve as a platform for players to impress selectors but also as a crucial warm-up ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar series. With both teams keen to gain momentum and set the tone early, these matches are expected to be fiercely contested, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse of the talent on display.
