There has been a huge a clamour for holding of regular ‘A’ tours for the national cricket team to countries like Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand among others given our recent abysmal performances outside the sub-continent. The 4-0 drubbing at the hands of England and Australia in their own backyard are still fresh in the minds of a billion fans.
The manner of capitulation caused much heartburn among the cricket buffs. The general feeling was that the national team did not look competitive and handed wins to their opponents on a platter; the spineless showing rang in deep disappointment among all and sundry.
Doing adequate homework before a tough overseas tour hasn’t something been BCCI’s cup of tea. We all know what kind of preparation Team India had when they embarked on the 2011 tour of England; complacency had crept in as the team had only months back won the World Cup in their own backyard, forgetting very easily that the World Cup was a 50-over affair.
The same script unfolded when India toured later in the year. The home series against India which the hosts won only triggered a confidence which got dented when they landed in Australia.
Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to have learnt their lessons. In a move that should augur well for Indian cricket, the board is planning an ‘A’ tour of South Africa later this year.
The ‘A’ tour of South Africa attaches significance given the fact that the Indian team is scheduled to tour South Africa in November-December this year.
According to BCCI sources, the ‘A’ tour of South Africa is expected to happen in June. However, the itinerary of the ‘A’ tour or the type of opposition is yet to be finalized.
The upcoming ‘A’ tour may comprise four-day matches as well as one-day matches.
South Africa are the world number one Test side and the ‘A’ tour of would be a handy preparation for Team India’s Test series against their much fancied opponents in November-December.
India ‘A’ team last toured New Zealand last September. India ‘A’ played three unofficial one-dayers – won the first tie but lost the third game with the second match ending in a tie. India ‘A’ played two unofficial Tests with both Tests ending in a draw.
India ‘A’ team also toured West Indies last in June-July last year. India ‘A’ lost the three Test series 1-2 while the three-match ODI series was drawn with both teams winning one match with the final game abandoned because of rain.
West Indies won the two match T20 series 1-0 with the second game ending in a tie.
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