Australia vs India: Cricket match in Adelaide after a Chaotic Year

Australia and India Clash 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 stage where their previous series began in 2018. The familiar sight of the scoreboard and the iconic Moreton Bay trees at the north end of the field provide a sense of continuity in test cricket, a perfect backdrop for the teams led by Tim Paine and Virat Kohli in the first day/night Test for India away from home. This encounter between two of the most powerful cricket nations promises to be special, more than any other match in the last 20 years. The series itself is an achievement, considering the challenges that arose. After difficult months, with the sporting world on pause, the possibility of the series not happening was real. Despite the good will between Cricket Australia and the BCCI, the obstacles were significant. Nick Hockley, interim CEO of CA, and chairman Earl Eddings, faced logistical challenges, including finding an entry point for the Indian team’s charter plane. The initial plans to land in Perth were moved to Adelaide, then to Brisbane, before finally being secured by Sydney, Canberra, the New South Wales government and the SCG Trust. Negotiation with the Queensland government proved unsuccessful. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened the series. Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough prepared for the possibility of a day/night test match at the MCG, with a more traditional game starting on December 26.

“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 in the moment a little more.”

Damian Hough

Training sessions in the center of the field are a competitive advantage for the Australians, something that Paine did not hesitate to highlight.

Virat Kohli and Tim Paine prepare for the face-off.

Paine emphasized the importance of training in the center of the Adelaide Oval field, especially with the pink ball, an uncommon experience.

“We’ve been very lucky to come to Adelaide early… It’s the most difficult thing in the Test with the pink ball; you usually get it once a year. Sometimes with a Shield match, this time without one. So you’re practically learning on the go, in real time, when you go out on the field”.

Tim Paine

Kohli’s adaptation, who did not participate in the practice match at the SCG, will be crucial. Furthermore, this will be Kohli’s only test match in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the captaincy. Australians, with players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, have succeeded in dismissing Kohli early in previous series. Paine acknowledged Kohli’s skill, highlighting the need for effective plans.

“Everyone has big plans to get the best players out, right?, 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”.

Tim Paine

The tactical discussion and plans for the test series are a relief amid concerns about Covid protocols and border restrictions. Paine, who values his test career, does not feel bubble fatigue.

“Absolutely not. I love it, to be honest… I’m sleeping better here and I feel fresher here than at home, so life in the bubble might make me play longer, if anything”.

Tim Paine

In a year marked by the pandemic, this chapter between India and Australia promises to be an unforgettable sporting event.