India is high-spirited after a big win in Perth. They enter their pink-ball warm-up match at the Manuka Oval in Canberra against the Prime Minister’s XI. This two-day game, starting Saturday, is vital prep for the day-night Test in Adelaide on December 6.
India has played four day-night Tests, with a mixed record. This includes their infamous collapse for 36 at Adelaide four years ago. The pink ball moves a lot at twilight. It poses challenges. The Indian batters hope to get used to it in this match.
Batting Combination Under Spotlight
The warm-up game is expected to provide clarity on India’s batting order. With Rohit Sharma back after his second child’s birth, and Shubman Gill close to fit, the team must make key decisions.
In Perth, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul impressed. So, Rohit may bat lower in the order. If Rohit adjusts his position, Gill’s role will also need reconsideration.
Indian Team’s Priorities in Practice Game
As this is not a first-class game, India will focus on batting practice, not extensive bowling. Players like Sarfaraz Khan, unlikely to play unless injured, may also get some time in the middle.
India’s net session on Friday showed positive signs for Gill. He looked comfortable while batting, so his recovery is progressing well.
The Indian team usually avoids warm-up games. They see them as uncompetitive. They can expect a tougher test from the PM’s XI.
Competitive Edge in the PM’s XI Line-Up
The Prime Minister’s XI, led by all-rounder Jack Edwards, has Test players Matt Renshaw and Scott Boland. Promising youngsters will also feature. They include U-19 talents Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Aidan O’Connor, and Sam Konstas.
Fast-bowling all-rounder Hanno Jacobs adds depth. He makes the warm-up a tougher test for the visiting side.
India Squad for the Pink-Ball Warm-Up
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra ashJadeja
- Mohd. Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh Krishna
- Harshit Rana
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
Prime Minister’s XI Squad
- 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
India will seek to use this rare pink-ball chance. They want to finalize their strategy and batting order before the Test at Adelaide. It is a day-night match. It’s a high-stakes match.
