The Indian cricket team is set to face the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day pink-ball warm-up match at Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 30 and December 1, 2024. This fixture serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, commencing on December 6.
Match Details:
- Dates: November 30 and December 1, 2024
- Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
- Start Time: 9:10 AM IST (2:40 PM local time)
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information:
Cricket enthusiasts in India can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network. For online streaming, the game will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.
Squads:
India:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Jasprit Bumrah (vc)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Dhruv Jurel
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Prasidh Krishna
- Harshit Rana
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
Reserves:
- Mukesh Kumar
- Navdeep Saini
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Yash Dayal
Prime Minister’s XI:
- 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
Key Highlights:
- Rohit Sharma’s Return: The Indian team will be bolstered by the return of captain Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test in Perth. This match offers him valuable practice ahead of the second Test in Adelaide.
- Pink-Ball Preparation: This warm-up game is pivotal for India to acclimate to pink-ball conditions, especially considering their previous day-night Test in Australia resulted in a challenging defeat.
- Prime Minister’s XI Composition: The squad, led by Jack Edwards, features a blend of youth and experience, including players like Scott Boland and Matthew Renshaw, aiming to make significant contributions.
This encounter not only provides both teams with essential match practice but also sets the stage for an exciting series ahead. Fans can anticipate a competitive game as players strive to fine-tune their skills under lights.
For cricket enthusiasts, here are some additional insights and useful details about the PM XI vs. India warm-up match and its broader context:
Why This Match Matters
- Pink-Ball Acclimatization:
- Day-night Tests with the pink ball differ significantly from red-ball cricket, particularly in terms of swing, seam movement, and visibility under lights.
- This match allows Indian players to understand the behavior of the pink ball in Australian conditions, especially under the twilight zone and artificial lights.
- Bench Strength and New Faces:
- This game provides a platform for India’s backup players and rising talents like Sarfaraz Khan and Yashasvi Jaiswal to showcase their skills against strong opposition.
- Washington Sundar and Dhruv Jurel are exciting all-rounders to watch, potentially earning key roles in the Test side.
- Prime Minister’s XI: A Test for India’s Bowlers:
- Australian players like Matthew Renshaw and Scott Boland are proven performers who can test India’s pace attack.
- India’s bowlers, including Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, will aim to use this game to perfect their lengths and rhythms.
What Fans Should Look Forward To
- Player Matchups:
- Ravichandran Ashwin vs. Matthew Renshaw: Ashwin’s guile versus Renshaw’s ability to counter-spin could offer a mini-preview of the Test series.
- Rohit Sharma vs. Scott Boland: The Indian captain will look to dominate Boland, who has been effective in Australian conditions.
- Conditions at Manuka Oval:
- Known for a balance between bat and ball, the pitch at Manuka Oval usually assists pacers in the early stages and spinners as the match progresses.
- The pink ball tends to swing more in the evening, making the second session crucial for bowlers.
- Focus on Fielding:
- Under lights, catching and ground fielding become challenging. Watch out for how players adjust to the conditions, which could play a decisive role in the Test series.
Historical Context
- India’s Record in Pink-Ball Tests:
- India has a mixed record in day-night Tests, with their most notable loss being the 36-all-out collapse against Australia in Adelaide in 2020.
- Improving their pink-ball record will be a priority heading into the Adelaide Test.
- Prime Minister’s XI Matches:
- These fixtures have been a tradition in Australian cricket, often featuring future stars and fringe national players.
- Past players like Shane Warne and Michael Hussey began their rise to fame in such matches.
Cricket Lover’s Viewing Tips
- Engage in Analysis: As you watch, try observing key aspects like bowling lengths, field placements, and the batsmen’s techniques against swing.
- Compare Stats: Use live commentary and player data to deepen your understanding of individual performances.
Upcoming Fixtures to Keep in Mind
- India’s Test Series vs. Australia:
- Begins December 6, 2024, with the highly anticipated day-night Test in Adelaide.
- Big Bash League (BBL):
- Starting mid-December, featuring several international stars, including potential players in this PM XI match.
- India’s Home Season (2025):
- Includes Test series against England and ODI series in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Stay tuned for match highlights, expert reviews, and player analysis during and after the game!