India vs England test series: No warm up games for Team India ahead of India-England test series, 2 warm-up games at Durham.
India vs England Test series: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson on Friday said that the Indian Test contingent will not be entitled to any warm-up games before the India-England five games test series, however, he stated that Virat Kohli and his men will play two intrasquad matches in Durham.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli earlier showed his aversion as the team was not given any match practice before advancing to the World Test Championship final which New Zealand won convincingly. Kohli has again expressed his displeasure for not being given any first-class warm-up games before they head to compete against England in a five games Test Series.
The test series will begin on 4th August in Nottingham which will also embark on the beginning of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023 campaign for India.
“Due to COVID-19 protocols, they will play two intra-squad four-day matches before the first Test in August,” an ECB spokesperson told PTI on Friday.
The spokesperson said “No” to any possibilities for the warm up games.
The cricketers from different nations in the UK are not kept in bio-bubbles and are tested regulatory.
The Indian outfit is also given three weeks rest and an opportunity to travel and freshen up before they regroup at Trent Bridge again.
“The domestic cricketers of England not being in a bubble is an issue for sure. That’s why the games in Durham will be intra-squad ones,” a BCCI official said on conditions of anonymity.
India had one intrasquad simulation before the WTC Final, however, the Indian legends have questioned the amount of preparedness these simulations may give.
Sunil Gavaskar said that if a batsman gets out in the simulation, he can ask and bat again, however, in warm-up games against County sides this cannot happen.
India vs England test series: No warm-up games for Team India ahead of India-England test series, 2 warm-up games at Durham.