Australia and India face off in Adelaide in a historic test match
In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India prepare for a new confrontation at the Adelaide Oval, the scene of their previous encounter in 2018. The sight of the scoreboard and the imposing Moreton Bay trees create a special atmosphere that will be the backdrop for the first day/night Test match for the Indian team away from home, led by Tim Paine and Virat Kohli. This encounter between two of the most powerful cricket nations promises to be memorable, especially after a year full of uncertainty. The series itself is a triumph, considering the challenges that arose. During the difficult months of March, April and May, when sport almost completely stopped, the possibility of the series not taking place was real. Despite the goodwill between Cricket Australia and the BCCI, the obstacles were significant. One of the biggest challenges for CA executives was finding an entry point for the charter plane carrying the visiting team. Initial plans to land in Perth were modified, going through Adelaide and Brisbane, before finally being defined in Sydney, Canberra and the New South Wales Government. Even after the arrival of the Indians, there was a possibility that a Covid outbreak in Adelaide would alter the plans. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough, who has dealt with rock concerts and changes to the football schedule, has prepared a test match pitch with a Christmas theme.The training sessions in the center of the field are a competitive advantage for the Australians, something that Paine did not hesitate to point out.Kohli’s adaptation, who did not participate in the preparation match at the SCG, will be crucial to the result in Adelaide. This will be Kohli’s only Test match in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the leadership in the remaining three matches. With an Australian attack led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, the strategy to neutralize Kohli will be key. Paine acknowledges Kohli’s ability to adapt and cause damage.“One thing we’ve learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” Hough said. “We had plans, but we had to live more in the moment.”
Damian Hough
Tactical discussions and plans for the series offer a respite from Covid protocols and border restrictions. Paine, who values his cricket career, shows no signs of “bubble fatigue”.“Virat is one of the best players, if not the best player in the world,” Paine said. “We have plans that have worked well against him in the past; we hope they work this week.”
Tim Paine
After a year marked by the pandemic, this new chapter between India and Australia promises to be an unforgettable sporting event.“I love it, to be honest,” Paine said. “I sleep better here and feel fresher than at home, so life in the bubble could make me play longer.”
Tim Paine
