The Virat Kohli-led Indian test team, which suffered an eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, is now gearing up to face hosts England in a five-match Test series, starting in August.
As the Indian team is deprieved of playing any warm-up game against the domestic England teams, it has been reported that the visitors will play couple of in-team games in Durham’s riverside ground before heading to Nottingham for the first Test.
After enjoying a short break post the WTC final, the Indian team will reassemble in Durham within 15 days.
Meanwhile, the BCCI will also urge the England Cricket Board to arrange atleast two warm-up games for the Indian team with the domestic teams.
As per a report in the Indian Express, Jay Shah, the BCCI vice-president, has spoken to the Indian team management and the decision has been taken collectively.
“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 Test match series,” BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal told the Indian Express.
As India lost the WTC final against New Zealand, it was also said that lack of practise games hurt the Indian team’s prepration and looking at that aspect, the board is also in favour of some warm-up matches before the England series.