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 presence of the old scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees at the north end of the field provide a sense of continuity, an element intrinsic to Test cricket, and will serve as a backdrop for the teams led by Tim Paine and Virat Kohli in India’s first day/night Test away from home. This encounter, which marks the twentieth anniversary of their constant clashes, promises to be memorable. The series itself is a triumph, considering the difficulties both nations faced in carrying it out. From March to May, the sports world was paralyzed, which raised doubts about the viability of the series. Despite the challenges, Cricket Australia (CA) thanked the collaboration of the administrators and players from India, who did not present significant objections. The biggest obstacles for CA focused on finding a port of entry for the visiting team’s charter plane. Initial plans to land in Perth were modified to Adelaide, then to Brisbane, before finally deciding on Sydney, Canberra and the government of New South Wales. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide could have disrupted the series. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough has had to adapt to various circumstances this year, including rock concerts and changes to football matches.The Australian team has taken advantage of the practice sessions in the center of the field, an invaluable competitive advantage, according to captain Tim Paine.“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 a little more in the moment.”
Damian Hough
Image: Virat Kohli and Tim Paine prepare for the face-off.
Paine highlighted the importance of these sessions to adapt to the game conditions with the pink ball and under the lights. Kohli’s adjustment, who will only play one test match in the series, will be crucial. The Australians, with their fearsome pace attack, will look to limit Kohli’s impact, but Paine recognizes the adaptability of the Indian player.Tactical discussions and plans for the match offer a respite from concerns about Covid protocols and border restrictions. Paine, who values his cricket career more than many, does not feel bubble fatigue. In such a complicated year, this new chapter between Australia and India promises to be an unforgettable sporting event.“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 said.
Tim Paine
