Inadequate preparation turned India's tour of England this year into a three-month nightmare for the visitors.
Once bitten, twice shy, goes the old saying. The Board of Control for Cricket in India made sure the same mistakes are not repeated in Australia, squeezing in an extra warm-up tie ahead of their Boxing Day Test opener.
Skipper MS Dhoni is confident his team will reap the rewards of the early arrival.
"That's something you'll have to wait and watch, but frankly that is what I believe in. We are here close to 12 days early. If 12 days are not enough, then even one month won't be enough. So we have to make the most out of it. That's how international fixtures are.
"It's good that we have enough time to practice to play to our best. The important thing is how well we adapt to the conditions," said Dhoni on Wednesday, on the eve of India's two-day tour opener against the CA Chairman's XI.
Eight members of the squad, including Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, came to Australia a good four days before the rest of the 17-man squad arrived. Dhoni hinted at opting for those who had extra rest for the first warm-up match. However, he added that some of the big guns could be rested in favour of giving the youngsters a run out.
"It takes some time to recover from the jetlag. Most of the guys who came in the first batch will play that game. We will assess as to who will play depending on how they are feeling. If somebody needs rest, we will play them in the second practice game (Dec 19 to 21)."
{{/usCountry}}"It takes some time to recover from the jetlag. Most of the guys who came in the first batch will play that game. We will assess as to who will play depending on how they are feeling. If somebody needs rest, we will play them in the second practice game (Dec 19 to 21)."
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