Sports · Cricket · 7 hrs ago
India A matches give Test players a look at New Zealand pitches
India’s Test specialists used three unofficial matches against New Zealand A to prepare for a two-Test series in New Zealand after the one-day internationals.
Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said the games helped batters and bowlers understand the pitches and what they might offer.
Several Test regulars, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jasprit Bumrah, took part in the India A series.
The Test players are due to start a camp on November 11, with five or six training sessions planned.
Some pace bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh, are expected to stay behind and help with preparations.
The coaching staff will split between the Test squad in Wellington and the ODI team, with head coach Gautam Gambhir expected to remain with the ODI side.
Kotak said the plans could change, and the team will adjust its preparation to the conditions available.
Three unofficial India A versus New Zealand A Tests gave India’s Test players a chance to assess local pitches ahead of a two-match Test series.
India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said the matches helped batters and bowlers understand the conditions.
Test players are due to begin a preparation camp on November 11, with five or six sessions planned.
Some India players and staff are set to travel to Wellington, while others will remain for the remaining ODIs.
- Who
- India’s Test specialists, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna.
- What
- Three unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A helped India’s Test players assess the pitches ahead of a two-match Test series.
- When
- The A matches took place before the upcoming Test series. India’s Test preparations are due to begin November 11.
- Where
- New Zealand. Some players will travel to Wellington for preparations.
- Why
- To help players understand the pitch conditions and prepare for the Test series.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India’s coaching staff held a training session at Eden Park in Auckland.
India’s Test players are due to begin a preparation camp with five or six sessions planned.
India’s fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga.
- A matches
- Three unofficial Tests between India A and New Zealand A
- Upcoming Test series
- Two matches
- Preparation camp
- Starts November 11; five or six sessions planned
- Fourth and fifth ODIs
- November 13 and 15, Mount Maunganui in Tauranga
What people are saying
A lot of India A-related matches have also involved our red-ball players. That is a big advantage for the batters as well as the bowlers.
The bowlers get an idea of where to bowl, what lengths to target, how much to hit the deck and how much assistance they can expect from the surface
The Test players will go for a camp from the 11th, where we will get five or six sessions.