The visitors followed this strategy before the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, training on spin-friendly practice pitches in Bengaluru instead of playing a first-class tour game. However, this decision faced criticism after Australia was defeated by an innings and 132 runs in the first Test at Nagpur, ultimately losing the series 2-1.
Head coach Andrew McDonald mentioned that the team is considering potential sites for a pre-tour camp that would best simulate Indian conditions as the first Test is scheduled to commence in Nagpur on January 21.
“We have a couple of options available. We have previously gone to the UAE, and the last time we went into India, we trained in Bengaluru, so we are just evaluating how that will look in terms of managing the individuals,” McDonald told Cricket Australia website Cricket.com.au.
Australia’s last Test series victory in India occurred in 2004 when Adam Gilchrist captained the team to a memorable 2-1 win.
The team has a challenging schedule before arriving in India. Australia begins with a two-Test home series against Bangladesh in Darwin next week, followed by a tour to South Africa for three Tests in October. They will then return home for a four-Test series against New Zealand starting on December 9.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Michael Neser has been sidelined from the Bangladesh series due to a calf strain sustained during training in Brisbane. McDonald, however, provided a positive update regarding wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, stating that he is expected to be fit after recovering from a back spasm.
Australia will hope that their rigorous preparation yields results as they strive to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure their first Test series win in India in over two decades.
First Published: Aug 5, 2026 5:52 PM IST
