Vaughan shocked over India's reluctance to play intra-squad game before Perth Test

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan is surprised that India did not play a single intra-squad game before the opening Test match in Perth. Vaughan is worried about the Indian team's competitive mindset ahead of the series.

In Short

• India have opted out of intra-squad matches before Australia series
• India have done match simulations before Perth Test match
• Vaughan is baffled that India are not playing tour games

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan is shocked at India's reluctance to play intra-squad matches ahead of the opening Test match vs Australia. India opted out of a match vs India A ahead of the Perth Test. Captain Rohit Sharma revealed that the players would be able to train for more hours if they do match simulations instead of an intra-squad game.

However, the reason did not impress Michael Vaughan. Speaking on Fox Cricket ahead of the opening Test match in Perth, Vaughan has questioned India's readiness. Vaughan has pointed at the fact that India might be undercooked mentally ahead of their first game against Pat Cummins' side.

“I can’t get my head around a team like India only wanting to play an intra-squad game leading into a series against Australia in their own backyard,” Vaughan told Fox Cricket.

BGT: Updates from India match simulations

“I just can’t see how you get yourself in that competitive mindset of consequence by playing an intra-squad game. Time will tell. I’m surprised that this Indian side didn’t want at least one game of cricket, and the WACA’s the perfect venue because it’s a similar pitch to Optus (Stadium), so you get used to the bounce,” he further added.

India have a selection headache with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill unavailable for the opening Test match at Perth, which starts on 22 November. While Sharma is currently on paternity leave, Shubman has a fractured thumb.

The team will hope that the youngsters step up to the occasion like they did last time on the tour of Australia. India might call upon the likes of Abhimanyu Easwaran and Nitish Kumar Reddy, and hand them debuts in Perth.

The first Test match between India and Australia begins on 22 November. The match will be played at the Optus Stadium and will kick off at 7:50 AM IST.