BCCI in line to request two warm-up games for India before England series
India suffered a big defeat against Kane Williamson and his men in the WTC Final at Southampton. After India’s defeat, many fingers started pointing at players and management for not stepping up with a concrete plan. However, after India’s loss, skipper Virat Kohli pointed out that they were not given any first-class or practice games before the high-profile series and it affected their game a lot on the final day.
In the same light, BCCI is all set to request England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to arrange some practice games for the visitors. Indian cricketers last played a Test match in the month of March before facing Kiwis in the WTC Final. On the other hand, Kane Williamson and his men just came after having a two-match series against England. Hence, BCCI will request at least two warm-up games before they face the English side in August.
Two warm-up games might be requested by BCCI to ECB for India
“Jay (Shah) will be speaking to ECB and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Harrison to make an arrangement for two warm-up games before the five-match Test series. The secretary felt that the BCCI should request the ECB to give at least two warm-up games so that players can get in some good match practice before the series starts,” said BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal while speaking to the Indian Express.
The Indian squad has left for London from their base in Southampton. The team is allowed to have a 20-day break within UK only. After their break, they will have to reassemble again by July 14. The five-match Test series against England is all set to commence on August 4. If the spectators are allowed, players are keen to attend Wimbledon and Euro 2020 games in their break time.
India last played against England at their home where they defeated the visitors and cleared their journey for the WTC Final. It remains to be seen if India can replicate their performance this time around on English conditions after succumbing to a massive defeat in WTC Final.
