Australia and India Clash in Adelaide: A Duel Marked by Uncertainty
In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India prepare for a new confrontation at the Adelaide Oval, a venue that hosted their last encounter in 2018. The iconic scoreboard and the Moreton Bay trees at the north end of the field offer a sense of continuity that evokes the tradition of Test cricket, serving as a backdrop for the teams led by Tim Paine and Virat Kohli in the first day/night Test for India away from home.
This series, which marks the twentieth anniversary of its constant contact, is a significant event for multiple reasons. The possibility of it taking place was in doubt during the toughest months of the pandemic, with logistical obstacles and health concerns that threatened its realization.
The uncertainty persisted even after the teams arrived, with a Covid outbreak in Adelaide that could have disrupted the schedule. Despite these challenges, the series is set to begin, thanks to the collaboration between Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The Adelaide Oval curator, Damian Hough, has prepared a playing surface for the match, adapting to the changing circumstances. “One thing we’ve learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough commented. “We are fortunate to be able to offer Australia training in the center of the field, which is an invaluable competitive advantage.”
Australian captain Tim Paine highlighted the importance of training on the center field of the Adelaide Oval, which he considers a significant advantage for his team. “It’s the most difficult thing about the Test with the pink ball; you usually have it once a year. Sometimes with a Shield match, this time without one. So you’re learning on the go, in real time, when you go out on the field,” he stated.
Kohli’s adaptation, who did not participate in the practice match at the SCG, will be crucial for the result in Adelaide. Furthermore, this will be Kohli’s only Test in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the leadership for the remaining three matches.
The Australians, with a formidable attack including Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, will seek to capitalize on their previous experience against Kohli. Paine acknowledged Kohli’s skill but is confident in his team’s plans. “We have plans that have worked well against him in the past; we hope they work early enough this week,” Paine said.
Paine, who values his test cricket career, expressed his enthusiasm for the game despite the circumstances. “I love it, to be honest,” Paine said. “I think this bubble hasn’t been as strict as the IPL or England’s. I sleep very well at night; my children are at home, which is good in a way, but I miss them. But I sleep better here and feel fresher than at home, so life in the bubble might make me play longer, if anything.”
In a year that has tested the world, this new chapter between Australia and India promises to be an unforgettable sporting event.
