Adelaide Oval Pitch Report: Adelaide Oval is all set to host the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where India and Australia will clash in a historic pink ball Test. After India’s 295-run win in Perth, the series has become more intense given the conditions in the World Test Championship.
Adelaide Oval Pitch Report: A Challenging Surface for Both Teams
India will look to make a strong comeback in 2020 from their previous pink ball encounter, where they were bowled out for just 36, their lowest Test total in history. However, that tour ended in a remarkable 2-1 series win for India.
Australia, on the other hand, entered the match with a good record in day-night Tests as they remained unbeaten in pink-ball Tests. The home side’s pace attack led by Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland has been particularly lethal, claiming 11 wins in 12 pink ball matches.
The Adelaide pitch is expected to be a challenging surface that can help both fast bowlers and spinners. Traditional pink ball tests have shown that the ball behaves differently under lights. With some help on the surface likely, both teams will be eager to capitalize on early advantages.
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Key Players to Watch on Adelaide’s Pink Ball Test
Jasprit Bumrah will be an important weapon for India. His pink ball numbers are impressive with 10 wickets at an average of 14.50 in just three matches. Ravichandran Ashwin, if selected, has taken 18 wickets at an average of 13.83 in four pink ball matches.
Moreover, for Australia, Mitchell Starc leads the way with 66 wickets in 12 pink-ball matches at an average of 18.71. Scott Boland and Pat Cummins have also brought depth to Australia’s bowling with brilliant performances.
The match will also be a test for India’s new players like Mohammad Siraj, Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who have no previous day-night Test experience. The hosts will be without Hazlewood for this Test as he has a ‘low-grade left side injury. This allows Australia to play alongside Boland, who missed the Perth Test.
Impact of Hazlewood’s Absence on Australia
Hazlewood’s first home Test absence will be against India. For the first time since the 2015 Sydney Test, Australia will play in a home BGT match without one of its four key players – Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. The quartet appeared together in nine consecutive home Tests against India.
