The Indian Cricket Team is going all in to prepare themselves for the Australia challenge when both sides lock horns against each other at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Before the Perth Test at the Optus Stadium, Team India has been going through some rigorous sessions and training to keep themselves game-ready against the reigning WTC Champions. After travelling to Australia, the Men in Blue have been taking up match simulations, where the outcomes have been mixed. The intra-squad match simulation ahead of the test series provided insights into the team’s preparedness, while they also saw a couple of blows take place.  

Virat Kohli Shows No Discomfort, Reddy Stands Out As Team India Undergoes Match Simulations

At the WACA Ground in Perth, Australia, Team India has been taking up some intra-squad match simulations to gear up for the grueling test series. As per ESPNcricinfo, the Men in Blue have been intensifying their preparations, with KL Rahul getting proper game time after Rohit Sharma remains uncertain for the first test match. He bated alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for the simulations. While KL did quite well, a bouncer from Prasidh Krishna struck his elbow, prompting him to get immediate medical attention. He did not return to the pitch after he left while grasping his elbow. Yashasvi Jaiswal did rather well by putting his aggressive intent on display, but he got caught after edging the ball towards the second slip.

Virat Kohli looked in good shape, contrary to reports suggesting that he had undergone scans. He spent 30 minutes in the nets and also displayed a classic cover drive before getting dismissed off Mukesh Kumar’s Delivery. Even Rishabh Pant performed well, but the groin injury he sustained during the NZ series cloyed him to some extent. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was a standout performer in overcast conditions, eventually dismissed him.

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In the second opportunity which the team received, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill had an aggressive style but eventually reverted to a cautious approach. Jaiswal looked relaxed against short ball and raced to an unbeaten 52 while Gill scored 42. Prasidh and Nitish pounded Kohli and Pant with short-ball deliveries, Kohli appeared troubled by a few balls. But he showed no signs of unease. Pant looked defensive as he stepped down the crease with varying degrees of success before getting bowled by Mukesh for the second time. After 75 overs of match simulation, the batters finished at 339/8.

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