Australia vs India: A Cricket Classic Resurfaces After a Complex Year

Australia and India Face Off in Adelaide in a Historic Test Match

In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India meet again at the Adelaide Oval, the same venue where they began their previous series in 2018. The familiar image of the scoreboard and the Moreton Bay trees provide a sense of continuity inherent in Test Match cricket, creating an emblematic backdrop for the teams of Tim Paine and Virat Kohli. This encounter marks the first day/night Test Match for India away from home, adding extra appeal to the series. After two decades of almost constant clashes between two of the most powerful cricket nations, this series is even more special. The realization of this series is an achievement in itself, considering the challenges presented by the pandemic. There were moments when the uncertainty about whether the series would take place was palpable, especially during the months of March, April, and May, when the world of sports was on pause. Cricket Australia (CA) faced obstacles to secure the series, including finding an entry point for the Indian team’s charter plane. Initial plans to land in Perth were moved to Adelaide, then to Brisbane, before finally being accepted by Sydney, Canberra, the New South Wales government, and the SCG Trust. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened to disrupt the series. The preparation of the pitch, in charge of Damian Hough, included the organization of a Christmas show, reflecting the unique circumstances of the year.

“One thing we’ve learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough said. “We had plans, but we had to live in the moment a little more.”

Damian Hough

Training sessions in the center of the playing field are shaping up as a competitive advantage for the Australian team. These sessions, unlike those of Australia A at the SCG, have allowed players to adequately prepare for match conditions.

Legend: The confrontation between Virat Kohli and Tim Paine is anticipated with optimism.

Tim Paine emphasized the importance of these training sessions, highlighting the difficulty of adapting to the conditions with the pink ball and under the lights. Kohli’s adaptation, who did not participate in the preparation match at the SCG, will be crucial in Adelaide. This match is even more significant, as it will be Kohli’s only Test Match in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the captaincy in the remaining three matches. The Australians, with their formidable bowling attack, have succeeded in previous series in dismissing Kohli early. However, Paine acknowledges Kohli’s ability to adapt and cause damage.

“Everyone has big plans to get the best players out, but that’s why they’re the best, they can adapt, they can change with what you’re doing, and Virat is certainly one of the best players, if not the best player in the world,” Paine said.

Tim Paine

Paine also highlighted the variety in the Australian attack, with different angles and speeds, in addition to the skill of Nathan Lyon and Marnus, offering various options to counter Kohli. Instead of focusing on Covid protocols and border restrictions, the team is concentrating on strategy and tactical plans. Paine, who values his cricket career, shows no signs of fatigue and enjoys the bubble experience. The series between Australia and India in 2020 is shaping up to be a memorable sporting event.