Some seven Test squad members will play for Australia A in a tour game, with captain Travis Head saying they must put India’s red-ball stars under pressure.
Travis Head is keen to put India’s red-ball stars under the pump before a ball is bowled in the four-Test series as he prepares to captain an Australia A side featuring Tim Paine.
Test squad members Head, Paine, Joe Burns, Will Pucovski, Cameron Green, James Pattinson and Michael Neser headline the XI that will face India A in a three-day clash that begins on Sunday.
Virat Kohli and Twenty20 teammates will be absent from the tune-up at Sydney’s Drummoyne Oval.
But Cheteshwar Pujara, man of the series during India’s productive previous tour of Australia, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane are some of the big names set to be in action.
Tour games are often low-key affairs lacking intensity but that is unlikely to be the case in coming days, especially given it forms a key part of Australia’s preparation for the first Test.
“The one-day team had an exceptionally good start against India, put some wins on the board and put them under pressure,” Head told reporters.
“It’s a great opportunity with the red ball, we can start that campaign in the same manner.
“We want to start putting the Indian guys under pressure.”
National selectors opted for a sole Test vice-captain this summer, entrusting Pat Cummins and demoting Head in the process.
But Head’s appointment as Australia A skipper suggests the 26-year-old’s leadership is still highly regarded by Trevor Hohns’ panel.
“There was no real reflection on anything I’d done wrong, I had really good feedback (from Hohns) on the way I’m developing in that space,” he said.
“I was very privileged to get that opportunity in the first place, having not played a great deal of Test cricket.
“To be vice-captain of an Ashes series was a massive opportunity and something I learned a lot from.
“Very fortunate I have Painey on my side (for this game). I have chatted to him the last few days, there’s a lot of leadership around this Australia A team.”
Head argued he is a much-improved batsman compared to his first Test summer, when India’s bowlers created all sorts of headaches for Australia’s top six.
“You take confidence from everything you’ve done,” he said, having scored two impressive centuries in the Sheffield Shield hub.
“They have an unbelievable bowling attack. I’m looking forward to that test again.”
Australia A 13-man squad: Joe Burns, Will Pucovski, Marcus Harris, Travis Head (capt), Cameron Green, Nic Maddinson, Tim Paine, Will Sutherland, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Mark Steketee, Harry Conway.
Peter Farrar
Roar Pro
How disappointing Jackie. One of the most interesting tour matches for some time and yet you can't get a view. I would love to have gone to a couple of sessions.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Quadrupled his score! :silly:
AREH
Roar Guru
'We went for Joe in the end, particularly after the recent tour match where he outscored Will.'
Rob
Guest
Good start for Burns and Pucovski...
JGK
Roar Guru
Not a great start for our openers.
AREH
Roar Guru
Totally irrelevant point but those Vodafone logos are like going back a decade in time
dat
Roar Rookie
Shaw’s been having issues since the last tour of nz with even southee troubling him with short deliveries .Had a poor ipl as well against the quicks,so he’s either he been found out or might need time to work on his technique some more to find his rhythm again. Right now Gill looks the more promising prospect of the two. though he would need more game time, as he had been carried along with the squad to only sit out on the benches for far too long.
JGK
Roar Guru
Yes they can. I am going to try to make it.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Endless shoulder problems.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
He is an excellent first reserve. What has happened to Jhye Richardson ? He looked so good a couple of summers ago.
All day Roseville all day
Roar Guru
Entire match closed to public. I have been told that around 100 spectators watched today from either the footpath, or the park overlooking the ground. But apparently SCG Members can attend next week's game there.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Be bordering on a powerful line up if Rohit Sharma was fit to play.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Diamond Jackie that really sux.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
I wouldn't be dropping starc or lyon for pattinson, but he (pattinson) might make more runs tha Wade ...
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Kohli, Pujara, Rahane is a solid lineup
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Dunno. Tempting to drop Stark but then there's pink ball under lights. Drop Gary? Surely not. Drop a batsmen? Pattinson vs Wade? Dunno it's a tough one. Good problem to have
JGK
Roar Guru
Rahane is a lovely batsman to watch.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Who gets dropped?
Sgt Pepperoni
Roar Rookie
Patto has looked fit, fast and accurate. Very tempting to find a spot for him in the test team
U
Roar Rookie
Hopefully there’s no more hamstr.....I mean concussion injuries in this one