Australia and India Face Off in Adelaide: A Classic in Times of Uncertainty
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 old scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees at the north end of the field offer a sense of continuity, an essential element in Test cricket, and will be the backdrop for the teams led by Tim Paine and Virat Kohli in the first day/night Test for India away from home. This encounter, which marks two decades of almost constant contact between two of the most powerful cricket nations, promises to be memorable. The series itself is a triumph, considering the challenges that have arisen. Since 1999, India and Australia have contested 12 Test series, the same number that Australia has played against England in the Ashes series during the same period. This year, those involved and fans experienced moments of uncertainty about the realization of the series. The initial difficulties focused on the obstacles to organizing the series, despite the goodwill between Cricket Australia and the BCCI. For Cricket Australia, led by Nick Hockley and Earl Eddings, the main challenge was finding an entry point for the charter plane carrying the Indian team. Initial plans to land in Perth were modified, first to Adelaide, then to Brisbane, before finally being accepted by Sydney, Canberra, the New South Wales government, and the SCG Trust. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened the series. Adelaide Oval was destined to host at least one, and possibly two, Test matches, given the prolonged lockdown situation in Melbourne. However, an outbreak in South Australia forced emergency measures to be implemented, including the possibility of starting the series with a day/night Test at the MCG. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough, who has dealt with rock concerts and changes in football matches, prepared a pitch for the Test match with a Christmas parade instead of Sheffield Shield matches as preparation.Training sessions in the center of the field appear to be a competitive advantage for the Australians. Captain Tim Paine highlighted the importance of training in the center of the field at Adelaide Oval, which will give them a significant advantage.“One thing we’ve learned with Covid is to be 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
Paine also expressed that the team has plans to counter Kohli, with different strategies and attack options. The tactical preparation and plans for the Test series offer a refreshing contrast to Covid protocols and border restrictions. Paine, who values his Test career, does not feel bubble fatigue, and even considers it beneficial.“Everyone has big plans to get the best players out, don’t they?, but that’s the reason they are the best, they can adapt, they can change with what you are doing, and Virat is certainly one of the best players, if not the best player in the world,” Paine said.
Tim Paine
The series between India and Australia promises to be a memorable sporting event, especially at a time when many in the world remain confined by the pandemic.“Absolutely not. I love it, to be honest,” Paine said. “I don’t think this hub has been as strict as maybe the IPL or the one in England. I sleep very well at night; my kids are at home, which is good in a way, but I certainly miss them. But I sleep better here and feel fresher here than at home, so life in the hub might make me play longer in any case.”
Tim Paine
