India Moves Training Base Ahead of Decisive Match Against Australia

India's decision to shift to Sharjah Cricket Stadium to prepare for their final group match against Australia on Sunday, October 13, is not entirely unexpected. After the post-match wrapup at the main ground on Saturday, the team settled into the sprawling facility, which hosts the Sachin Tendulkar stand, a well-known UAE tourist attraction. Interestingly, teams like England and Australia, with three group matches at this location, have not been allocated training sessions here. However, Australia has performed well here, and their victories over Sri Lanka and New Zealand suggest they have successfully acclimatised to the conditions.

In order to familiarise themselves better with the ground and its conditions, the Indian team chose to travel 30 km east rather than the usual 20-minute western drive to the ICC Academy in Dubai. They also invited the U-16 and U-19 boys from the Sharjah Cricket Academy for intensive training sessions.

India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, noted that while the pitch appeared to have more turn when viewed on TV, players found the ball came on to the bat nicely during practice sessions. As they continue their preparation, they are strategising for the best approach under these conditions.

Australia, meanwhile, is grappling with injuries, having lost captain Alyssa Healy to an acute foot injury and Tayla Vlaeminck to a shoulder dislocation during their Friday match in Dubai.

India has faced similar challenges, with Harmanpreet herself temporarily sidelined with a neck sprain during the match against Pakistan and Pooja Vastrakar recovering from an ankle injury. Detailed adjustment to these conditions may give India the edge in the upcoming contest.