Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023: Australia's decision to not feature in practice games takes Suresh Raina by surprise

Former India batter Suresh Raina was surprised by the Australian team’s decision to not play a practice game ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India starting February 9. The former Indian cricketer feels that the visitors will be at a disadvantage by not opting for a practice game.

He believes that such games are really important, and they help the visiting sides in getting acclimatised to the Indian conditions.

"I have played practice matches (ahead of Tests) and they are really important. They (Australia) can understand the quality of pitches in India only if they play on them," Raina told as quoted by India Today.

Star Australian batter Steve Smith had earlier said that practice matches in India are not of much significance. “The last time we went I'm pretty sure we got served up a green-top (to practice on) and it was sort of irrelevant.

We're better off having our own nets and getting spinners in and bowling as much as they can. We'll wait and see when we hit the ground. I think we've made the right decision to not play a tour match,” said Smith as quoted by India Today.

Australia have been training in Alur (near Bangalore) ahead of the first Test in Nagpur. The visitors are practicing on rank turners and have also called up Mahesh Pithiya, the right-arm off-spinner from Baroda, to help them prepare for the series as his bowling action resembles Ravichandran Ashwin.

Suresh Raina also believes that the series will offer intriguing action to fans. However, Raina abstained from predicting the outcome of the series.

"I am happy with Jadeja's comeback after a long time," said Raina about the comeback of his CSK mate into the national squad. "Our spinners R Ashwin, Axar Patel are doing well. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been in good form and I think we will get to watch an interesting series in the coming days,” Raina said.

“Let it begin first. A Test match should be five-day long. I will only comment (on performance) after watching the first day and seeing the focus of players," he further added.

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