Australia vs India: Cricket Clash in Adelaide, A Respite After a Tough Year

Australia and India Face Off 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 sight of the scoreboard and the iconic Moreton Bay trees provide a sense of continuity in test cricket, 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 the most powerful cricket nations promises to be memorable, especially after a year with significant challenges. The series itself is a triumph, considering the difficulties faced by both Cricket Australia and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). During the difficult months of March, April and May, when sport was practically suspended, the possibility that the series would not take place was a constant concern. The obstacles to organizing the matches were numerous, but the goodwill between the cricket authorities of both countries was crucial. For Cricket Australia, the biggest challenge was finding an entry point for the charter plane carrying the Indian team. Initial plans to land in Perth were modified, going through Adelaide and Brisbane, before finally settling on Sydney, Canberra and the New South Wales government. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened the series. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough faced preparing the pitch amidst an unusual context, with events like rock concerts and Christmas parties instead of Sheffield Shield matches.

“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,” he added.

Damian Hough, curator of the Adelaide Oval

Hough highlighted that the preparation for the match, including training sessions in the center of the court, was a success. Australian captain Tim Paine, for his part, emphasized the importance of the training sessions in the center of the court for his team, considering them a competitive advantage.

Description of the practice match between Australia A and India.

It is increasingly likely that Virat Kohli and Tim Paine will face each other later this year.Kohli’s adaptation, who did not participate in the practice match at the SCG, will be crucial for the result in Adelaide. Furthermore, this will be Kohli’s only test match in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the leadership. With a formidable Australian attack led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, the goal will be to limit Kohli’s impact. Paine acknowledged Kohli’s skill, but assured that they have plans to counter him.

“Everyone has big plans to get the best players out, don’t they? 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 stated.

Tim Paine

Paine also expressed his satisfaction with the atmosphere in the bubble, highlighting that he feels more rested and refreshed than at home, which could prolong his career. In a year marked by the pandemic, this clash between Australia and India promises to be a memorable sporting event.