BCCI to send Test specialists early for England Tour to avoid South Africa debacle

India conceded the Test series to South Africa in the first two matches of the series last month and most experts agreed that it was a direct result of their insufficient preparation to getting accustomed to the South African conditions. In order to avoid another South Africa Test debacle, the BCCI has decided to send the Test Specialists like Pujara and Vijay to England early so that they can get used to the conditions on offer. The BCCI is also working on a schedule to plan the preparations for the England Tour to start from the first week of June.

“One thing is certain. If the Indian team had spent at least 10 days in South Africa before the first Test, it would have made a lot of difference to the end result. The team is determined that each player gets enough time and exposure in England before the actual series begins,” a top BCCI official told Times of India on Saturday.

TOI also reported that many Indian players apart from the specialist will be encouraged either to play in the County Championship or turn out for the India A team that will be touring England just before the start of the tour.