Are warm-up matches like the one between Australia and India enough for excellence in Test cricket?

Tags: India tour of Australia 2018-19, India, Australia

Published on: Dec 11, 2018

If one were to look at Australia’s current squad and tabulate the total number of matches they have played in the first-class category, you would notice that the player with the highest tally is Sam Whiteman with just 50.

If one were to look at Australia’s current squad and tabulate the total number of matches they have played in the first-class category, you would notice that the player with the highest tally is Sam Whiteman with just 50. The only other player with double digits is Harry Conway at just 12. This is the same side that is facing India in the only warm-up game prior to the Test Series versus Australia

To compare with the Indian side, the player with the least Test match experience is Hanuma Vihari who has played a total of 66 first class matches. It wouldn’t be incorrect for this match to be considered a glorified session in the nets for India, instead of a first-class meeting, considering how weak the opposition is. So why take chance of boring yourself to death in such a dull affair. You could use your valuable time to look at the choice of casino sites where you can see future games odds, and even play online casino games such as slots, roulette or video poker instead and earn some winning.

Kohli contests the lack of quality warm-up games

Owing to the packed schedule that India always has, it isn’t a surprise that this is happening. They have definitely found it difficult to fit in enough warm-up games. They cancelled a warm-up game prior to the tour of South Africa, and opted to practice in the nets instead. In England as well they reduced a warm-up of four days versus Essex, to a three-day affair.

Virat Kohli’s men’s preparation was scrutinised, after they lost both series. However, Kohli’s defence was that such warm-up games were a waste of time if a team is to excel in test cricket, since the opposing teams weren’t good enough. Now with their talisman Prithvi Shaw injured and possibly ruled out from the test series, their ability to reach full potential is further curtailed

The ‘strategy’ of denying exposure

This issue of not facing quality opposition in warm-up games is not one that is only faced by India. Owing to the fact that the international calendar is packed, this would mean that teams that are visiting would be able to play lesser warm-up matches. Many teams have even used this as a ‘strategy’ of sorts to deny the best possible exposure to teams visiting teams. This might even have something to do with whythe travelling Indian teamhas fared so badly in their last two test series

The ethics debate

The usage of such a strategy has been debated due to the ethical position that it stands in. The question that mainly arises is why should a board help an opposing team to defeat their own? Playing with such a squad in the warm-up match, could affect the series and allow Australia to win, with odds being 5/4 and 6/4 in favour of Australia and India respectively.

However, if instead of watching the series, cricket themed online slots seem more like your cup of tea, what you can expect at 888 casino is an advanced interface that has been developed by the leading third party developers for enhanced user experience.

Some cricket boards have taken up the initiative to improve the quality of warm-up matches. However, until this is actualized, such games are pointless.

Related News