India Prepares for England Test Series with Closed-Door Practice Match

Team India's Ongoing Preparations
The head coach of Team India, Gautam Gambhir, has returned to India for personal matters. Meanwhile, the team is actively preparing for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, set to commence on June 20. As part of their final preparations, a four-day practice match kicked off on Friday in Beckenham, featuring a contest between India and India A.
BCCI's Decision on Match Coverage
🚨BCCI banned the live telecast of India vs India A match 🚨
— Abhishek Bharati (@TECxBEN) June 13, 2025
– Closed Intra squad game. No vision access to Media/Broadcast. On the final day of the squad game, a player/member of support staff will be made available to the media,"A BCCI official said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/7FLtCaZESa
Leadership on the Field
Shubman Gill is at the helm of the Indian team, while Abhimanyu Easwaran leads the India A squad. This match holds significant importance for players who were not included in the India A lineup during the recent unofficial Tests against the England Lions.
Match Closed to Public and Media
Similar to the previous tour in Australia, coach Gautam Gambhir has opted for a closed-door format for this match, meaning no fans will be allowed to attend, and there will be no live broadcasts or media coverage.
Rationale Behind the Decision
Sources indicate that Gambhir's choice to keep the match private is aimed at preventing the England team from gaining insights into India's strategies. Such private sessions are a common practice in European football, where teams often keep their tactics under wraps.
The Relevance of Secrecy in Cricket
There are debates regarding the necessity of such secrecy in cricket. Unlike football, which is a fast-paced 90-minute game reliant on strategy, cricket spans five days, making many tactics apparent during play. However, bowling coach Morne Morkel emphasized that developing stamina for extended bowling spells and fielding throughout the day requires specialized practice beyond standard net sessions.
Unique Match Regulations
Although this match does not hold official first-class status, it remains a crucial component of the team's preparation. Batsmen who are dismissed cheaply may have the opportunity to bat again. A total of 360 overs will be bowled over the four days, allowing bowlers ample time to refine their rhythm and fitness.