IND vs AUS PM XI: 50-overs tour game on Day 2 after rain washes out Saturday in Canberra

The Day 1 of India’s warm up fixture against the Prime Minister’s XI has been called off due to rain on Saturday, November 30 at Manuka Oval, Canberra. There was no play possible on the opening day as the inclement weather didn’t relent leaving both teams frustrated. Notably, the warm-up fixture is going to be India’s only practice ahead of the day/night Test against Australia beginning on December 6 in Adelaide.

The Rohit Sharma-led side hasn’t played a pink ball Test since March 2022. Hence, the players and the coaches were eagerly looking forward towards the game to acclimatize themselves with the movement of the pink ball under lights. According to ESPNCricinfo, the Day 2 will feature a 50-over per side match giving India an equal opportunity to practice with both bat and ball.

Ahead of the warm-up fixture India and the PM’s XI team had the customary meet-up with the Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the parliament. During his meet with the Indian team, PM Albanese praised Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, joking about the former captain’s dominance over the Australian team in recent years.

As Indian captain Rohit Sharma introduced PM Albanese to the players, the Australian leader took a moment to commend Jasprit Bumrah, describing his bowling action as one of the most unique he had ever seen. The Prime Minister then greeted Virat Kohli, congratulating him on his century in the Perth Test.

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of 2nd Test

Sharing some photographs with the teams on his X handle, the Australian Prime Minister picked Australia as favourites to win the ongoing series and even tagged PM Modi in his post. The post also got a swift response from the Indian PM Narendra Modi who said that India has got off to a great start in the series and the entire country is rooting for them.

Meanwhile, ahead of the second Test, Australia have got a major blow as Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to a low-grade left side injury. Uncapped pacers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett have been added to the squad to bolster their pace options. However, it is likely that Scott Boland, a member of the original squad, will take Hazlewood’s place in the playing XI.