After leaving the UAE, the Indian cricket team arrived in Australia to begin preparations for a highly anticipated series between the two nations. India will play three T20s, 3 ODIs and four Tests in its two-month stay in Australia. Although the first T20 will be played on November 27, the Indian squad led by Captain Virat Kohli arrived early as they will now begin a 14-day quarantine and training period outside Sydney.
The Indian contingent along with Australian stars like David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins arrived in the late afternoon and were taken to the Sydney Olympic Park.
With the NSW government allowing the Indian team to train during the two-week quarantine period, their sessions will take place at Blacktown International Sports Park, which has also become a biosecure venue.
Captain Kohli, who will return home after the inaugural day / night test in Adelaide (December 17-21) for the birth of his first child in early January, will receive special treatment during the quarantine period, according to a report in ‘Daily Telegraph’.
The Pullman Hotel, where the Indian team would be staying for the next two weeks, was also the base for the New South Wales Blues rugby team, which has now moved to another hotel.
According to ‘Telegraph’, hotel authorities will provide the Indian captain with a special penthouse suite where he normally houses Australian rugby legend Brad Fittler.
It is understood that the state government of New South Wales also allows a limited number of families and the families of players will be required to comply with quarantine protocols.
However, Australian stars returning from the UAE after the IPL will join their national team’s camp from 22 November. They will train separately.
The white ball games starting November 27 will be played in two cities of Sydney and Canberra.
Indian cricketers will wear the first retro white ball jersey during the tour, as Kohli and his player will sport a navy blue jersey with multi-colored stripes on the shoulders.
That was India’s 1992 World Cup jersey and the sponsors of the new MPL kit are ready to bring the retro feel. Nike is no longer associated with the Indian team.
Teams like Australia and New Zealand have experimented over and over with their old designs, especially the ones that were worn during the days of the ’80s World Series of Cricket on Channel 9.
(with PTI inputs)
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