Australia vs India: A Cricket Test Revives the Sport After a Difficult Year

Australia and India Clash in Adelaide: A Clash of Giants in Times of Covid

After a year marked by Covid-19, Australia and India prepare to face each other on the same stage where their last encounter began in 2018: the Adelaide Oval. This emblematic stadium, with its historic scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees, will be the backdrop for India’s first day/night Test away from home, an event that promises strong emotions. This clash between two of cricket’s most powerful nations holds special significance, surpassing any other encounter in the last 20 years. The series itself is a triumph, considering the challenges that arose along the way. From March to May, the world of sports was paralyzed, generating doubts about the series’ realization. Despite the obstacles, Cricket Australia (CA) thanked the collaboration of India’s administrators and players, who did not raise major inconveniences. The biggest challenge for CA’s interim CEO, Nick Hockley, and chairman Earl Eddings, was finding an entry point for the charter plane carrying the visiting team. Initially, it was planned to land in Perth, but Sydney was ultimately chosen, thanks to the support of the New South Wales government and the SCG Trust. Even after India’s arrival, there was a possibility that a Covid outbreak in Adelaide would disrupt the series. Fortunately, Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough has managed to prepare a pitch for the match, despite the difficulties.

“What we have learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough said. “We had to adapt and live in the moment a little more.”
Damian Hough

The training sessions in the center of the field are presented as an invaluable competitive advantage for the Australian team, especially for those who arrived before the Australia A team. The Australian captain, Tim Paine, highlighted the importance of this preparation.

View the match at the SCG

Virat Kohli’s adaptation, who will only play one test match in the series, will be crucial. After this match, Ajinkya Rahane will take over the captaincy for the remaining three matches. The Australians, with their potent attack led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, will seek to neutralize Kohli from the start. However, Paine recognizes Kohli’s ability to adapt and cause damage.

“Virat is undoubtedly one of the best players, if not the best in the world,” Paine stated. “We have plans that have worked against him in the past, and we hope they work this week.”
Tim Paine

Amid Covid protocols, border restrictions, and financial challenges, tactical discussions and plans for the match offer a respite. Paine, who values his cricket career, feels no bubble fatigue.

“I love it, to be honest,” Paine said. “Life in the bubble could make me play longer.”
Tim Paine

This new chapter between India and Australia promises to be as exciting as any other sporting event, especially at a time when so many people around the world remain confined by the pandemic.