India to play intra-squad matches ahead of WTC final

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, Indian won’t be able to participate in a practice match ahead of the summit clash. Several Indian players will be unavailable due to the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023.

Rohit Sharma’s side will tussle against a formidable Australian side to reassert their dominance in red-ball cricket. India missed out on the prize against New Zealand last time around. However, this Test side will have to do without a wamp-up game since.

An intra-squad match will take place since the Indian team members 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. Indian all-rounders Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur are among the first batch of players to leave for England. Their respective IPL franchise were knocked out of the competition. Notably, veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara is plying his trade in English conditions with Sussex.