Reports: India to play intra-squad matches ahead of WTC final against Australia

The Indian team will be engaging in an intra-squad match ahead of their much-anticipated clash against Australia in the World Test Championship final next month. According to the latest reports, the Asian giants won’t be able to participate in a practice match ahead of the summit clash due to the unavailability of several Indian players participating in the Indian Premier League 2023.

Rohit Sharma’s side will tussle against a formidable Australian side to reassert their dominance in red-ball cricket after missing out on the prize against New Zealand last time around. However, the Test side will have to do without a wamp-up game since several Indian players are busy with the ongoing 16th edition of the IPL.

An intra-squad match is on the cards since the members of the Indian team will be arriving on English shores on different dates. It is worth noting that the Indian team engaged in an intra-squad practice match at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton ahead of their WTC final against New Zealand in 2021 due to the pandemic.

According to Cricbuzz, the team management is pondering over the option of intra-squad matches since they are travelling to England with a large contingent of players that includes three reserve players and net bowlers apart from the primary 15-man squad. However, the full-strength squad will be available only after June 1.

Indian players set to leave for England in batches

Several Indian players who are part of the Indian squad to face the Aussies are leaving for England in batches, with their respective teams not featuring in the playoffs. Indian all-rounders Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur are among the first batch of players to leave for England since their respective IPL teams were knocked out of the competition. 

While veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara is plying his trade in county cricket, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma will be leading Mumbai Indians in their crucial clash against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator.