Australia Prime Minister’s XI Vs India 2024: Date, Match Time, Squads, Broadcast And Live Streaming Details

Fresh from a commanding victory in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, India is set to turn their focus to a vital two-day warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI. The match, scheduled for November 30 and December 1 at Canberra’s Manuka Oval, serves as a significant preparatory step for the much-anticipated Pink-Ball Test against Australia in Adelaide, beginning December 6.

With the spotlight firmly on the day-night Test format and India looking to maintain their early dominance in the series, this warm-up game promises to offer critical insights into the team’s adaptability under lights.

Rohit Sharma’s Anticipated Comeback

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the warm-up game is the return of Rohit Sharma, India’s captain and one of the most dependable batters across formats. Rohit missed the opening Test in Perth due to personal reasons, but he is all set to use this match as an opportunity to regain his rhythm and acclimatize to the pink-ball conditions before stepping into the high-pressure cauldron of the Adelaide Test.

Rohit’s return adds significant depth and leadership to the Indian side. His ability to anchor innings at the top while countering the swinging pink ball will be pivotal for India, particularly under challenging Australian conditions.

India’s History with Pink-Ball Tests

India’s journey in pink-ball Tests has been a mixed bag. Their most recent outing, a home game against Sri Lanka during the 2021/22 season, was a resounding success, with India clinching a dominant victory. However, their last experience of a day-night Test on Australian soil remains a painful memory. During the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India collapsed to their lowest-ever Test total of 36 runs in Adelaide—a performance that served as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by the pink ball.

This match against the Prime Minister’s XI presents an invaluable opportunity for the Indian squad to adapt to the unique demands of day-night cricket, including the tricky twilight period when the ball tends to swing and seam prodigiously.

What’s at Stake?

1. Preparation for Key Players

Beyond Rohit Sharma, the warm-up game is critical for several other Indian players looking to fine-tune their skills. Batters like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to capitalize on this opportunity to spend time in the middle, while bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin will aim to perfect their strategies for the pink-ball challenge.

2. Adapting to Pink-Ball Conditions

The pink ball behaves differently than the traditional red ball, particularly under lights. It tends to swing more in the early and late phases of play, while spinners often struggle to grip and turn it effectively. This match will be crucial for the Indian team to understand these nuances and devise their game plan for the Adelaide Test.

3. Momentum Building

India’s emphatic performance in Perth has set the tone for the series. A strong showing in this warm-up match will help maintain that momentum while giving the team valuable practice against competitive opposition.

Prime Minister’s XI: A Balanced Opposition

The Prime Minister’s XI, led by Jack Edwards, boasts a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent. The squad features players like Scott Boland, who has already proven his mettle in international cricket, and emerging talents such as Ollie Davies and Sam Harper.

Playing against a side filled with local players accustomed to Australian conditions will offer India a good test of their readiness for the challenges ahead.

Prime Minister’s XI Squad

Captain: Jack Edwards
Key Players: Scott Boland, Matthew Renshaw, Lloyd Pope, Ollie Davies, Sam Harper.

India’s Squad: A Blend of Youth and Experience

India has named a strong squad for this warm-up fixture, combining the experience of players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja with the youthful exuberance of emerging stars like Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy. This balanced lineup reflects India’s intent to give game time to key players while assessing the readiness of younger talents.

India’s Squad

Captain: Rohit Sharma
Vice-Captain: Jasprit Bumrah
Key Players: Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj.

Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal.

Fixture Details

Dates: November 30 and December 1
Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
Start Time:
- India: 9:10 AM IST
- Australia: 2:40 PM AEDT
- GMT: 03:40 AM

Broadcast and Live Streaming

In India:

Television: Star Sports
Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

In Australia:

Television: Foxtel
Streaming: Kayo Sports

Key Battles to Watch

1. Rohit Sharma vs. Scott Boland

Rohit’s return to action will see him face the challenge of Scott Boland, whose ability to extract bounce and movement makes him a potent threat, particularly with the pink ball.

2. Virat Kohli vs. Lloyd Pope

The contest between Kohli and leg-spinner Lloyd Pope will be one to watch, with Kohli aiming to dominate the spinner while Pope seeks to make a mark against one of the world’s best batters.

3. Jasprit Bumrah vs. Prime Minister’s XI Top Order

Bumrah’s deadly accuracy and skill with the pink ball could prove too hot to handle for the opposition’s top-order batters.

Looking Ahead: The Adelaide Test

The warm-up game in Canberra is not just a standalone fixture but a stepping stone toward the pivotal Pink-Ball Test in Adelaide. With India looking to extend their lead in the series, the match offers a chance to fine-tune strategies, acclimatize to the conditions, and iron out any weaknesses.

A strong performance in the warm-up game will bolster India’s confidence as they aim to rewrite their pink-ball history Down Under and edge closer to retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Final Thoughts

The India vs. Prime Minister’s XI warm-up game is more than just a preparatory contest. It’s a stage for players to regain form, experiment with tactics, and adapt to the unique challenges of day-night cricket. As the Indian team steps onto the field at Manuka Oval, all eyes will be on their ability to carry forward the momentum from Perth and set the tone for the crucial Adelaide Test.

Whether it’s Rohit Sharma’s return, the young talents making their mark, or the seasoned campaigners honing their craft, this match promises to be a fascinating preview of the battles to come in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

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