Cricket Australia has expressed reservations about playing its only warm-up game, against the Board President's XI, on the team's tour of India later this month.
The only warm-up match ahead of the four-Test series is scheduled from September 30 to October 2 in a new stadium in Uppal, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. But a few photographs sent from India this week left Cricket Australia officials tentative.
The Age, a daily published from Melbourne, quoted a Cricket Australia spokesman as saying, "There clearly was a lot of work that still needed to be done and there's been a close monitoring process and continuing discussion.
"Our continuing concern is that it is an important match because we are coming off the back of two one-day tournaments, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is one of those iconic trophies so we need to have comfort that the venue, including the practice wickets and the wicket, are going to be appropriate for the running of a practice match."
Michael Brown, operations manager, and Tim May, chief executive of the Australian Cricketers' Association, completed a routine visit six weeks ago. The duo found the facilities at the new stadium far from complete and the outfield bereft of grass. They also raised concerns whether the match would need a change of venue or not.
"For the moment, however, we are all set to play our first game at the venue. Michael Brown and Tim May are scheduled to make another visit soon. Only if they give an unfavourable decision will we request for an alternate venue," said Jonathan Rose, the official spokesperson for the Australian team.
Rose refused to confirm when the next inspection would take place.
