The Indian team management decided to allow the public to watch their practice sessions at the center wicket from Friday to Sunday, when they would conduct a match simulation and play a warm-up match against India A on the WACA land.

This is contrary to an Australian media report claiming that the visiting team’s training sessions are closed to the public.

On Wednesday, ‘The Australian’ claimed in a report that a team of construction workers, who are currently renovating the WACA, had received a letter from the company’s CEO not to view, click on images or flying drones during internet sessions in India.

Watch: Virat Kohli leads India’s practice session in Perth

“The extent to which India keeps its practices under surveillance is revealed in a leaked email sent to workers involved in the WACA renovation, which is due to be completed next year,” the newspaper reported.

“Not only is the public not allowed to look at the Indian Train, but even those who work in the area are under strict instructions not to glance at it, according to an email sent by Adam Sauzier d ‘ADCO Constructions, which is building the new facility.’

Quoting the email, the newspaper wrote: “This week, India and India A are training at the WACA Ground from Tuesday, November 12 to Sunday, November 17, as part of India’s preparation for the test match at Perth Stadium the following week.

“During all training sessions, please do not take photos or videos, or fly drones, or sit and watch the sessions.”

The leading daily added, “The memo also refers to an India v India A match which was scheduled for Friday to Sunday but has since been scrapped as tourists preferred to practice at the center wicket.”

BCCI DENIES REPORTS

However, when the BCCI people were questioned, they categorically denied sending any such official communication.

“Neither from India, nor from India. Such a request, at least in an official capacity, demanded closed sessions. The training session is open to all. Indian and Australian media can watch and cover as long as they want There are no such restrictions so far,” a source familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity.

It has also been learned that the Indian A players have reported to Perth and will be part of the intra-squad match.

“Obviously, it will not be an official three-day first-class match where if a batter gets out first, he will not have access to the center wicket. It will be a simulated match where any number of batters can hit,” added the source.

It is understood that the management wants a Mohammed Siraj or an Akash Deep to play Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. One team would be loaded with batting and another with bowlers for quality practice at center wicket.

“It was the same practice during COVID times, when India went to England with around 23-24 players,” he said.

VIRAT KOHLI JOINS INDIA’S FIRST OFFICIAL TRAINING SESSION

The entire Indian contingent came out for an afternoon net session at the WACA on Wednesday and were also joined by some members of the India A team.

Virat Kohli batted for a considerable period in the nets along with other main batters.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, awaiting the birth of his second child, is yet to join the team, although coach Gautam Gambhir remained hopeful of joining the team before the first Test. However, confirmation is awaited.