Australia and India: An Epic Duel Amidst Uncertainty
In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India prepare to face each other on the same stage where they began their last encounter in 2018: the Adelaide Oval. This iconic stadium, with its traditional scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees, will be the backdrop for the first day/night Test that India will play away from home. This clash, which marks the beginning of a series that promises to be unforgettable, highlights the importance of continuity in Test cricket, especially after a year full of challenges. For two decades, these two cricket powerhouses have maintained almost constant contact, with 12 Test series played since 1999, a number similar to the Ashes series of Australia against England in the same period. The realization of this series is an achievement in itself, considering the obstacles that arose, especially in the months of March, April and May, when the world of sport stopped. Despite the challenges, Cricket Australia (CA) thanks the support of the administrators and players of India, who facilitated the organization of the event. The challenges for CA, led by Nick Hockley and Earl Eddings, focused on finding an entry point for the charter plane carrying the Indian team. After considering options in Perth and Brisbane, Sydney was finally chosen, with the support of the New South Wales government and the SCG Trust. Even after the arrival of the Indians, there was a possibility that a Covid-19 outbreak in Adelaide would alter the plans. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough, who has managed events such as rock concerts and football matches, prepared for a test match with a Christmas parade as a prelude.Training sessions in the middle of the field are shaping up as a competitive advantage for the Australian players, who arrived earlier than those who played for Australia A against India on a different surface at the SCG, something that Tim Paine did not hesitate to highlight.“One thing we’ve learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough said. “We like to plan months in advance. We still had plans, but we had to live in the moment a little more.”
Damian Hough
Virat Kohli and Tim Paine prepare for the face-off.
Kohli’s adjustment, who did not participate in the warm-up match at the SCG, will be crucial to the result in Adelaide. This match is Kohli’s only Test in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the captaincy in the remaining three matches. The Australians, with their formidable attack led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, will seek to limit Kohli’s impact. However, Paine recognizes Kohli’s ability to adapt and cause damage.Paine, who values his Test career more than most after nearly retiring in 2017, doesn’t feel fatigue from the bubble format and enjoys the opportunity to play. The series between Australia and India promises to be a vibrant event, especially at a time when many people around the world remain isolated due to the pandemic.“Everyone has big plans to get the best players out, right?, but that’s why they’re the best, they can adapt, they can change with what you’re doing, and Virat is undoubtedly one of the best players, if not the best player in the world,” Paine said.
Tim Paine
