Australia and India: An Epic Duel in Times of Uncertainty
Elite cricket prepares for a momentous clash. Australia and India, two powerhouses of the sport, will face off at the Adelaide Oval, an emblematic venue that marked the beginning of their previous encounter in 2018. This duel, framed by the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, promises to be an unforgettable event. The iconic scoreboard and Moreton Bay trees at the northern end of the field evoke the tradition of Test cricket, creating a perfect backdrop for the teams led by Tim Paine and Virat Kohli. This will be the first day/night Test for India away from home, adding special appeal to the series. This series, the number 12 between both teams since 1999, is a testament to the strong sporting and financial relationship between Australia and India. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the determination of both countries has made this event possible, bringing joy to fans and players. The preparation for the series was not without obstacles. Travel restrictions and health concerns forced a modification of the initial arrival plans of the Indian team, which finally settled in Sydney. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough has worked hard to prepare the field despite the circumstances. Hough highlighted the importance of adapting to the current circumstances and living in the present, noting that organizing a U2 concert was a greater challenge than preparing for this event.The Australian team, which had the opportunity to train in the center of the Adelaide Oval field, believes this will give them a competitive advantage. Tim Paine emphasized the importance of this preparation, especially to adapt to the conditions of the pink ball and the night lighting. Virat Kohli’s participation, who will only play one Test in the series, adds an element of uniqueness to the event. Ajinkya Rahane will take over the leadership in the remaining three matches. Australian bowlers, such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, will seek to neutralize Kohli, who has demonstrated his ability to excel even against the most formidable attacks.“We have learned to live in the present,” Hough said. “We had plans, but we had to adapt to the moment.”
Damian Hough
Paine, who values his cricket career, expressed his enthusiasm for the series and his adaptation to life in the bubble, highlighting that this could even prolong his time in the sport. The series between Australia and India promises to be a memorable sporting event, especially in a year marked by the pandemic. This confrontation, in an iconic setting, will captivate fans around the world.“Virat is one of the best players in the world,” Paine said. “We have plans that have worked against him in the past.”
Tim Paine
