There’s a reason the Australian cricket team consider beating India in India the pinnacle of achievements.

The conditions are so foreign, and unlike anything in Australia, your entire team must show true mastery over their skills to even be competitive.

But as hard as it is for Australia to adapt to India, it’s just as difficult for India to adapt to Australia.

And that was in the spotlight again as the megastars of Team India took to the WACA Ground for the first day of match simulation.

The WACA pitch, with India using the strip that was once reserved for Tests at the iconic cricket ground, was far from demonic but did have some of the venue’s famed pace and bounce.

To India’s dismay, its first scalp was KL Rahul’s right hand/arm.

Sent out to open as he auditions to take the place of Rohit Sharma, who is likely to miss the first two Tests as he awaits the birth of his second child, Rahul was left in visible discomfort as a delivery from Prasidh Krishna reared towards his glove.

He attempted to take strike after taking a breather but had to call for medical assistance and was taken from the field without returning.