Another Day-Night Practice Match For India in Canberra

India is set to play against Australia's Prime Minister's XI in a two-day warm-up match scheduled for November 30 to December 1 at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. This fixture is critical for India's preparations ahead of the upcoming Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval, which is the second test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, kicking off on December 6.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, now expanded to five matches, will commence with the first test at the Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22. Following this match, India will engage in the pink-ball warm-up game against the Prime Minister's XI before heading into the high-stakes day-night contest.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley expressed enthusiasm about the match, stating, “We’re delighted to confirm India’s involvement in this year’s Prime Minister’s XI match that emphasises the significance of the fixture on the cricketing calendar. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series will captivate the cricketing world."

Historically, India has played four pink-ball Tests, achieving victory in three matches against Bangladesh (2019), Australia (2020), England (2021), and Sri Lanka (2022). However, they have participated in only one Day-Night Test overseas prior to this series, making the forthcoming Adelaide Test their second encounter with the format outside of India. This warm-up game serves as an invaluable opportunity for the Indian team to acclimatise to the conditions and sharpen their skills in preparation for the crucial day-night fixture.

India's previous Day-Night Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval was memorable for all the wrong reasons, as the team recorded its lowest-ever Test score, managing just 36 runs in their second innings. Despite taking a lead of 53 runs, they faced a dramatic collapse against the Australian bowling duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leading to a straightforward victory for Australia.

Nonetheless, that defeat catalysed an impressive revival for India in the series, which included a remarkable victory in Melbourne, a resilient draw in Sydney, and a sensational win at the Gabba, fueled by Rishabh Pant’s outstanding performance.