Australia and India Clash in Adelaide in a Historic Test Match
After a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India prepare for a new confrontation at the Adelaide Oval, scene of the start of their previous encounter in 2018. The presence of the iconic scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees create a special atmosphere for the Test Match, which will be the first day/night for India away from home. This encounter between two cricket powerhouses promises to be memorable, especially after a year full of uncertainty. The series, which has been a success, is the result of a long history of clashes between both teams, dating back to 1999, with 12 Test series played, a number similar to the Ashes series of Australia against England in the same period. During the critical months of March, April, and May, the possibility of the series not taking place was real. Despite the goodwill between Cricket Australia and the BCCI, the organization faced challenges, including finding a point of entry for the Indian team. It was initially planned in Perth, then in Adelaide and Brisbane, until it was finally agreed upon in Sydney, Canberra, and the New South Wales government. Even with the arrival of the Indian team, there was a possibility that a Covid-19 outbreak in Adelaide would disrupt the series. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough prepared for various eventualities, including a test match with a festive Christmas atmosphere.Practice sessions in the center of the field offer a competitive advantage for Australian players, according to Tim Paine, who highlighted the importance of adapting to match conditions with the pink ball and lights. The Australian captain stressed the importance of this preparation, which will give them a significant advantage. Virat Kohli’s adaptation, who will only play one test match in the series, will be crucial. Ajinkya Rahane will take over the captaincy in the remaining three matches. The Australians, with figures like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, will seek to control Kohli, who has proven to be a dangerous rival.One thing we have learned with Covid is to live more in the present. We plan months in advance, but we had to adapt.
Damian Hough
Paine expressed his enthusiasm and motivation for the game, highlighting that the current conditions in the bubble have not negatively affected him. The frequency of encounters between Australia and India has been high in recent years, but the events of 2020 have ensured that this chapter is a memorable sporting event, especially at a time when many in the world remain confined by the pandemic.Virat is one of the best players, if not the best in the world. We have plans that have worked against him in the past, and we hope they work this week.
Tim Paine
