The highly anticipated India vs Australia Test series is set to kick off, with the first match of the five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting on November 22 at the iconic Perth Stadium. As cricket fans gear up for the action, here’s everything you need to know, including live streaming details, match timings, and what to expect from the pitch.
Match Timings in Indian Standard Time (IST)
With the match being held in Australia, Indian fans will need to adjust their schedules slightly to catch the action live. The first Test will begin at 7:50 AM IST, with the toss scheduled for 7:20 AM IST. Here’s a breakdown of the day’s play according to Indian time:
- First Session: 7:50 AM to 9:50 AM
- Lunch Break: 9:50 AM to 10:30 AM
- Second Session: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Tea Break: 12:30 PM to 12:50 PM
- Final Session: 12:50 PM to 2:50 PM
Where to Watch Live Streaming?
Cricket fans in India can catch all the action live on Disney+ Hotstar, where the entire series will be streamed. Make sure to set your alarms early for the first and second Tests, which will start at convenient morning hours. However, for the last three Tests, Indian fans may need to prepare for earlier wake-up calls as matches are scheduled to start even earlier.
Rohit Sharma to Miss First Test
Team India will be without their regular captain Rohit Sharma for the opening Test. Rohit is currently with his family following the birth of his second child on November 15. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as reports suggest he will rejoin the team in Perth by November 24 and is expected to lead in the second Test.
What to Expect from the Perth Pitch
The Perth surface promises an intriguing battle between bat and ball. With a green top, the pitch is expected to favor fast bowlers, especially in the initial sessions. Teams batting first will need to exercise caution in the early hours, as the seam and bounce could cause trouble. However, spinners are likely to come into play during the latter half of the game, making the pitch a balanced challenge for both sides.
Historically, batting first has been advantageous at Perth, but the opening session will test the mettle of the top order. Teams will need to weigh the risks carefully before making their decisions at the toss.
