With the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final on the horizon, India is refocusing on a pivotal Test series in Australia to keep their qualification hopes alive. After a disappointing 3-0 series loss to New Zealand, Rohit Sharma and his team face the pressing challenge of securing four wins against Australia to maintain their standing in the WTC and secure a place in the final at Lord’s in 2024.
Initially, India planned a three-day practice match against India A before their first Test in Perth on November 22. However, Rohit announced a strategic shift, opting for a comprehensive match simulation against the same squad. This decision aims to provide the players, particularly the batters, with sustained time in the middle under Australian conditions, maximizing their acclimatization to the local pitch conditions.
“Instead of a regular practice match, we decided on an intense match simulation with India A,” Rohit explained. “We’re traveling with a 19-player squad, and we felt that only three days wouldn’t allow us to prepare optimally. With match simulation, our batters can focus on spending significant time in the middle, while the bowlers can get in the needed workloads.”
The innovative match simulation approach offers flexibility for players to adapt to the challenging conditions. “If a batter gets out in a practice match, he’s sidelined for the day,” Rohit added. “With match simulations, a batter can face 50-70 balls, then we can retire him and rotate in others. This allows everyone ample time to adapt and practice, as opposed to traditional matches.”
India’s preparations will take place at the WACA, which offers a similar bounce and pace to Optus Stadium, their first Test venue, providing the team with a valuable opportunity to hone their skills against fast, bouncy conditions.
Rohit and veteran batter Virat Kohli will be under intense scrutiny during the series. Both players struggled in the New Zealand series, with Rohit managing only 91 runs across three matches, while Kohli recorded a high score of 70 in one innings but otherwise failed to reach double figures in four of his other innings. Acknowledging these challenges, Rohit said, “Our recent form with the bat is certainly a concern, but what’s done is done. We now have an opportunity to achieve something special in Australia, and we must focus on that.”
The stakes are high as the squad, including key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant, prepares to face a formidable Australian side on their home turf. For Rohit, the series presents a crucial opportunity for redemption and a shot at clinching India’s place in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
