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

Australia and India: An Epic Duel in Times of Uncertainty

In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India are preparing to face each other on the same stage where they began their last encounter in 2018: the Adelaide Oval. This emblematic stadium, with its traditional scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees, will be the backdrop for the first day/night Test that India will play away from home. This encounter between two of the most powerful cricket nations promises to be memorable, especially after a year full of challenges. The series, which has been made possible thanks to the persistence and collaboration between the cricket federations of Australia and India, represents a triumph in the midst of adversity. During the difficult months of March, April, and May, when global sport was on pause, uncertainty about the series’ realization was palpable. Despite the obstacles, the dedication of the authorities and players from both teams has allowed this event to materialize. The challenges for Cricket Australia (CA) focused on securing an entry point for the charter plane carrying the Indian team. 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. The negotiation with the Queensland government was particularly difficult. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened to disrupt the series. The possibility of starting the tournament with a day/night Test at the MCG and then continuing with a traditional game from December 26 was considered. The Adelaide Oval curator, Damian Hough, who has managed events such as rock concerts and football matches, has prepared a playing surface for the Test, with special preparation. Hough highlighted the importance of adapting to circumstances and living in the present.

“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 in the moment a little more.”

Damian Hough

Training sessions in the center of the field are a competitive advantage for the Australian team, according to captain Tim Paine, who valued the opportunity to prepare at the Adelaide Oval.

Match between Australia A and Indians

Paine also highlighted the importance of adapting to the game conditions with the pink ball and under the lights. The Australian captain emphasized the advantage of having trained in the center of the Adelaide Oval field. The participation of Virat Kohli, who will only play one test match in this series, adds an element of uniqueness to the event. Ajinkya Rahane will assume the captaincy in the remaining three matches. The Australians, with their fearsome bowling attack led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, will seek to limit Kohli’s impact. Paine acknowledged Kohli’s skill and the need to have different strategies to face him. Paine commented on the importance of tactics and preparation, rather than focusing on travel restrictions and financial challenges. The Australian captain, who values his cricket career, does not feel fatigue from the current situation.

“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’m sleeping really 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 if anything.”

Tim Paine

After a year full of challenges, this encounter between Australia and India promises to be a memorable sporting event.