Australia vs India: Cricket match in Adelaide, a respite after a chaotic year.

Australia and India clash in Adelaide: A duel of giants 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 scenario where their previous series began in 2018. The presence of the iconic scoreboard and the Moreton Bay trees creates a special atmosphere for India’s first day/night Test away from home. This encounter promises to be memorable, exceeding the expectations generated in the last 20 years of constant rivalry. The realization of this series is an achievement in itself. Despite the financial forces driving Australia and India to compete in numerous series since 1999, uncertainty about its viability was palpable during the first months of the year. The cancellation of sporting events worldwide raised doubts about the future of this series. Cricket Australia (CA) thanked the support of the Indian administrators and players, who avoided significant complications for the tour. The challenges for CA focused on finding an entry point for the visiting team’s charter plane. After considering options such as Perth and Brisbane, Sydney was finally chosen, thanks to the support of the New South Wales government and the SCG Trust. Even after India’s arrival, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened to disrupt the series. Despite initial plans to hold at least one Test at the Adelaide Oval, circumstances forced consideration of alternative scenarios, such as a day/night match at the MCG. Damian Hough, curator of the Adelaide Oval, has had to adapt to the circumstances. He has prepared a test pitch with a Christmas parade, instead of the Sheffield Shield matches. “What we have learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough commented. “We had to adapt on the fly.” The training sessions in the center of the court provide a competitive advantage to the Australian players. Captain Tim Paine highlighted the importance of these practices, especially to familiarize themselves with the game conditions with the pink ball.

Results of the practice match between Australia A and India.

The confrontation between Virat Kohli and Tim Paine is eagerly awaited. The return of Kohli, who did not participate in the practice match at the SCG, will be crucial for the result in Adelaide. This will be Kohli’s only Test in the series, as Ajinkya Rahane will take over the captaincy in the remaining three matches. The Australians, with their fearsome pace attack, will seek to dominate Kohli, who has demonstrated his ability to adapt and perform in difficult situations. Paine recognizes Kohli’s quality and the importance of having an effective game plan. The Australian team has various options in its attack, including Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne.

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

Tim Paine

Instead of the usual concerns about Covid protocols and border restrictions, tactical discussions and game plans have refreshed the atmosphere. Paine, who values his cricket career more than most, doesn’t feel bubble fatigue and enjoys the concentration it provides. The series between Australia and India promises to be a memorable sporting event, especially in a global context marked by the pandemic.