India’s Warm-Up Match Against Prime Minister XI in Doubt Due to Weather Threat

After a dominant 295-run victory in the first Test against Australia in Perth, India is gearing up for the upcoming Pink-ball Test in Adelaide. To prepare for the challenging second Test, they are set to face the Prime Minister’s XI in a two-day warm-up match starting November 30 at Manuka Oval in Canberra. However, the team’s plans may be impacted by a weather alert in the region.

Weather Forecast Poses Risk for Day 1 of Warm-Up Match

According to Accuweather, Canberra is under a minor flood watch on November 30, with heavy rains expected throughout the day. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:40 PM local time, but the chances of precipitation are high, with 98% likelihood of rain in the morning. The rain is expected to ease in the afternoon, but there are still concerns that the first day of the warm-up match could be washed out. The flood watch is in effect from 1:55 PM to 7:55 PM, further complicating the situation for the Indian team’s practice plans.

Shubman Gill’s Return to Nets Boosts India’s Confidence

Despite the weather challenges, there was a positive update from the Indian camp on Friday, as Shubman Gill returned to the nets for batting practice. Gill had been sidelined with a thumb injury before the first Test and was expected to miss the second game as well. However, his return to the nets offers a significant boost to the team’s morale.

Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar spoke about Gill’s recovery, saying, “He is looking comfortable batting, and from what I have seen, he seems like he can bat in a match. Our physio will evaluate him, and we will know his status after that.” While it remains unclear if Gill will feature in the warm-up match, his progress suggests he may be ready for action soon.

India Prepares for Pink-Ball Test Against Australia

With the first Test win behind them, India is now focused on the upcoming Pink-ball Test in Adelaide, set to begin on December 6. The warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI, though uncertain due to weather, is a crucial opportunity for India to fine-tune their preparations. The team will be hoping for better weather conditions to get some valuable practice time ahead of the second Test.