India A, Australia A set for two first-class matches as curtain-raiser to epic Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Cricket fans in Australia are in for a double treat ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia. India A and Australia A teams will lock horns in two crucial first-class matches starting from October 31st.

These matches will serve as a vital warm-up for both sides, with aspiring players vying to impress selectors and potentially earn a call-up to the main event.

India A vs Australia A in Mackay and Melbourne

The first four-day encounter will be held at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, kicking off on October 31st. The action then shifts to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the second match, scheduled from November 7th to 10th.

India sharpens claws with Intra-Squad match

Following the India A series, the senior Indian team will fine-tune their skills with a three-day intra-squad match against India A at the WACA Ground in Perth, from November 15th to 17th.

This match will provide the Indian players with valuable match practice in Australian conditions, aiming to secure a historic hat-trick of series wins on Aussie soil.

BGT returns with Five-Test Extravaganza

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy itself kicks off on November 22nd with the first Test at the Perth Stadium. Cricket enthusiasts can then witness the action unfold across various iconic venues in Australia, culminating in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3rd to 7th.

This upcoming series also marks a significant milestone, being the first time the BGT will be contested over five Tests in over 30 years.

Australia seek to end India dominance

Australia will be looking to break free from India’s recent dominance in the BGT. Having lost the past four series, including two at home, the hosts will be eager to reclaim the trophy they last held in 2017.

‘A’ matches: Crucial Platform

“Hosting these A matches at the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena and the MCG gives these ‘A’ matches significant status,” said Peter Roach, Cricket Australia’s Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling.

These matches provide a crucial platform for young players to showcase their talent and potentially earn a call-up to the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India Tour of Australia Schedule 2024:

Australia A v India A series

First first-class match – October 31-November 3: Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay

Second first-class match: November 7-10: MCG, Melbourne

India v India A intra-squad match – November 15-17: WACA Ground, Perth

India vs Australia Test series

First Test: November 22-26: Perth Stadium, Perth

Second Test: December 6-10: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Third Test: December 14-18: The Gabba, Brisbane

Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne

Fifth Test: January 3-7: SCG, Sydney.