Australia vs India: Cricket Resurfaces in Adelaide, Challenging Covid-19

Australia and India: A Duel in Adelaide in Uncertain Times

In a year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia and India face each other in the same scenario where they began their previous encounter in 2018: the Adelaide Oval. The presence of the iconic scoreboard and the Moreton Bay trees at the north end of the field evoke the tradition of test cricket, a backdrop for the teams of Tim Paine and Virat Kohli in India’s first day/night Test away from home. This encounter between two of the most powerful cricket nations promises to be memorable, especially considering the circumstances. Since 1999, India and Australia have played 12 test series, a number comparable to the Ashes series that Australia has played against England in the same period. The uncertainty about the realization of this series, due to the pandemic, has been a constant concern. The challenges for Cricket Australia (CA) included finding an entry point for the charter plane carrying the Indian team. Initially planned to land in Perth, the plan moved to Adelaide, then to Brisbane and finally to Sydney, thanks to the support of the New South Wales government and the SCG Trust. Negotiations with the Queensland government were tense. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide threatened to disrupt the series. The possibility of starting the test with a day/night match at the MCG and continuing with a more traditional game from December 26 was considered.

“One thing we have learned with Covid is to live more in the present,” commented Damian Hough, the curator of the Adelaide Oval. “This year, we have prepared a test pitch with a Christmas parade instead of Sheffield Shield matches as preparation.”

Damian Hough

Training sessions in the center of the field are a competitive advantage for the Australians. Tim Paine highlighted the importance of these sessions, especially to adapt to the conditions of the pink ball and the lights. Kohli’s adaptation, who did not participate in the practice match at the SCG, will be crucial. This is Kohli’s only test match in the series, before Ajinkya Rahane takes over the captaincy in the remaining three games. The Australian strategy to stop Kohli, which has been successful in previous series, will be key. Paine acknowledges Kohli’s ability to adapt and states that the team has plans to counter him. Instead of Covid protocols and border restrictions, tactical discussions and plans for the match are now the main focus. Paine, who values his test career, shows no signs of “bubble fatigue”.

“I love it, to be honest,” Paine said. “I don’t think this bubble has been as strict as the IPL or the one in England. I’m sleeping really well; my kids are at home, which is good in a way, but I certainly miss them. But I sleep better here and feel fresher than I do at home, so life in the bubble 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.