India to Face Prime Minister's XI in Canberra Ahead of Adelaide Test

India will play a two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra on November 30 and December 1. This match will serve as preparation for the second Test in Adelaide, part of the Border-Gavaskar series. The series is crucial for both teams in the World Test Championship standings.

India will play an additional fixture during their Australia tour at the end of the year, following the confirmation of a two-day pink-ball match against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. The match, held at Manuka Oval in the nation's capital, is scheduled for November 30 and December 1, between the first and second Tests of the eagerly awaited Border-Gavaskar series, according to the ICC.

The day-night affair will provide India with essential match practice against the pink ball and under lights ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, which will be played under the same conditions. Australia defeated India by eight wickets in their only previous day-night Test during the 2020 series, and this Adelaide Oval contest will be the second time the sides have used the pink ball.

The battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will unfold over five Tests for the first time in more than three decades, making the series crucial for both teams as they vie for a spot in next year's ICC World Test Championship final. Australia, who clinched their first World Test Championship title by defeating India by 209 runs at The Oval last year, aim to retain their crown at the next edition of the one-off Test at Lord's in 2025.

India currently holds a slender lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings, with Australia in second place, as per the ICC. Here is the Australia vs. India Test schedule:

First Test: November 22-26, Perth. Second Test: December 6-10, Adelaide (d/n). Third Test: December 14-18, Brisbane. Fourth Test: December 26-30, Melbourne. Fifth Test: January 3-7, Sydney. Tour match: Prime Minister's XI vs. India, November 30-December 1, Canberra (D/N). (ANI)