After India’s injury-hit sessions, Perth ready to welcome Pat Cummins & Co. for practice before BGT

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Team India had a worrying few days as they lost Shubman Gill for the Perth Test. KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli even dealt a few blows but are fit enough to start the BGT.

After facing defeats since 2015, Australian cricket team has finally landed in Perth with renewed hope and desire to win back the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) from Team India. The Perth wicket at Optus Stadium, known for its pace and bounce, gives Australia some confidence. They have never lost a Test match at this ground, and their 146-run victory in the first-ever Test played here brings back good memories.

Captain Pat Cummins and his men know they have a mountain to climb. India, who will be led by Jasprit Bumrah in Rohit Sharma’s absence, has dominated the BGT contests since 2015. The last time Australia tasted success in this rivalry was during the 2014-15 home series.

Australia to begin BGT practice from Monday

The Aussies will start their practice from Monday (November 18) morning at Optus Stadium, with an optional training session planned for Tuesday afternoon. For the first time in many years, they are entering this series with one step behind, having not won the BGT in their last four attempts.

Young Nathan McSweeney, who will get his baggy green cap as Australia’s 467th Test player, seems ready for the challenge. “I feel my game suits these conditions,” he said while speaking to reporters as per Western Australia. McSweeney has been watching videos of Indian bowlers and taking tips from experienced players like Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Marnus Labuschagne.

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The Australian squad looks solid with experienced players like Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. However, only six players from their last Perth victory remain in the current team, showing how much things have changed.

The first Test begins this Friday (Nov 22), and Australia has four days to prepare themselves for what promises to be an exciting series. After eight years of disappointment in BGT, the pressure is on the home team to prove themselves against a strong Indian side.