Australia and India face off in a historic test match
In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India prepare for a new confrontation at the Adelaide Oval, the scene of their previous encounter in 2018. The view of the scoreboard and the Moreton Bay trees 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 encounter between two of cricket’s most powerful nations promises to be memorable, especially after a period of uncertainty about the series taking place. Financial difficulties and restrictions imposed by the pandemic raised doubts about the event’s viability. However, thanks to the collaboration between Cricket Australia and the BCCI, the obstacles were overcome. The challenge for CA officials, Nick Hockley and Earl Eddings, was to find a way in for the charter plane carrying the visiting team. After considering options such as Perth and Brisbane, Sydney was finally chosen, with the support of the New South Wales government and the SCG Trust. Negotiations with the Queensland government were tense, but an agreement was finally reached. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened to disrupt the series. The possibility of starting the tournament with a day/night Test at the MCG was considered, followed by a traditional match starting on December 26. These scenarios kept the Adelaide Oval curator, Damian Hough, on edge, who faced challenges such as rock concerts and changes in football matches.The Australian team had the advantage of training in the center of the Adelaide Oval field, which gave them crucial preparation. Captain Tim Paine highlighted the importance of these sessions to adapt to the playing conditions with the pink ball and under the lights. Kohli’s adaptation, who will only play one Test in the series, will be crucial. After this match, Ajinkya Rahane will take over the leadership of the Indian team in 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. Paine acknowledged Kohli’s ability to adapt and stated that his team has strategies prepared to counter him. These tactical preparations and the excitement of the series offer a respite from concerns about Covid protocols and border restrictions. Paine, who values his cricket career, was enthusiastic about the experience.“We’ve learned to live in the present,” Hough stated. “We had to adapt and live in the moment a little more.”
Damian Hough
After a year full of challenges, this new confrontation between Australia and India promises to be an unforgettable sporting event.“I love it, to be honest,” Paine said. “I sleep better here and feel fresher than at home, so life in concentration might make me play longer.”
Tim Paine
