Australia and India clash in Adelaide: A Classic in Uncertain Times
In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India prepare for a new confrontation at the Adelaide Oval, the same venue where their previous series began in 2018. The iconic scoreboard and the Moreton Bay trees north of the field offer a sense of continuity, an emblematic 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 12th encounter between these cricket powerhouses since 1999, is an achievement in itself. The difficulties and challenges for its realization were numerous, from the restrictions imposed by the pandemic to the negotiations to secure an entry point for the Indian team. The uncertainty about the party’s venue was constant, with changes to the initial plans that included Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, before Sydney, Canberra, and the New South Wales government intervened to secure the event. Anxiety levels reached their peak during negotiations with the Queensland government. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened to disrupt the schedule. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough has had to adapt to rock concerts and changes in football matches, but this year he prepared for a test match with a Christmas parade as a prelude. “One thing we’ve learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough commented.The training sessions in the center of the field are presented as a competitive advantage for the Australians, who arrived before the Australia A team. Tim Paine highlighted the importance of these practices, especially to adapt to the conditions of the pink ball and the lights. Kohli’s adaptation will be crucial, especially considering this is his only test match in the series. Ajinkya Rahane will take over as captain in the remaining three matches. Australians, with players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, have had success in the past in getting Kohli out early in matches. Paine acknowledged Kohli’s skill, stating that “he is one of the best players in the world”.“We like to plan months in advance. We still had plans, but we had to live a little more in the moment”.
Damian Hough
Paine also shared his enthusiasm for the series, highlighting the freshness he feels in the bubble environment, and contradicting the idea of fatigue. The frequency of encounters between India and Australia has ensured that this chapter is as vibrant as any other sporting event.“There’s a time in this, well, there’s really only one test, so let’s hope not, but when you’re playing against players as good as Virat, sometimes they get away from you, that’s the game.”
Tim Paine
