Team India Lands in Canberra for Warm-Up Match Against Prime Ministers XI

Team India has arrived in Canberra to play a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Ministers XI, scheduled to begin on November 30. The match serves as preparation for the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide, part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the team’s arrival by sharing a video on social media. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who recently joined the squad in Australia following the birth of his second child, was seen traveling with the team and has already begun practicing in the nets. According to reports, Rohit will participate in the warm-up game to fine-tune his form ahead of the crucial Adelaide Test, starting December 6.

Perth ✅#TeamIndia have arrived in Canberra! 🛬#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/IhNtPmIOah

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 28, 2024

Meanwhile, head coach Gautam Gambhir has temporarily returned to India for personal reasons and will miss the warm-up match. A BCCI spokesperson confirmed that Gambhir is expected to rejoin the squad before the Adelaide Test.

India heads into the warm-up game riding high on confidence after a remarkable 295-run victory against Australia in the first Test in Perth. Despite being bowled out for just 150 runs in their first innings, India staged a sensational comeback to secure the win.

In the first innings, Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37) made vital contributions for India, adding 48 runs for the sixth wicket. Australia’s reply was even weaker, as they collapsed to 104 all out, with Jasprit Bumrah leading India’s bowling effort with figures of 5/30. Debutant Harshit Rana also impressed with 3/48.

India capitalized on their slender lead in the second innings, with KL Rahul (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) putting up a 201-run opening partnership. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 and supporting contributions from Washington Sundar (29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (38*) propelled India to 487/6 declared, setting Australia a daunting target of 534 runs.

In their chase, Australia crumbled to 12/3 at stumps on Day 3, with Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj striking early. Despite resistance from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47), Australia was bowled out for 238. Bumrah (3/42) and Siraj (3/51) led India’s bowling in the second innings, sealing a comprehensive win. Bumrah was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding eight-wicket haul across both innings.