Australia and India: A Classic in Times of Pandemic
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 iconic stadium, with its historic scoreboard and Moreton Bay trees as a backdrop, will witness a momentous clash. The first Test day/night for India away from home promises to be a memorable event. This series, which marks the reunion of two of the most powerful cricket nations, has special value, especially considering the current circumstances. Since 1999, Australia and India have contested 12 Test series, a number comparable to Australia’s encounters against England in the Ashes series. The uncertainty about the realization of this series, due to the pandemic, has been palpable. In the critical months of March, April, and May, when global sport was disrupted, the possibility of the series not happening was real. Despite the goodwill between Cricket Australia and the BCCI, the challenges were significant. For Nick Hockley and Earl Eddings, of Cricket Australia, the biggest challenge was finding an entry point for the visiting team’s charter plane. Initial plans to land in Perth changed to Adelaide, then to Brisbane, before finally Sydney, Canberra and the New South Wales government took over. Even after the arrival of the Indians, a Covid outbreak in Adelaide could have disrupted the series. The possibility of starting the series with a day/night Test at the MCG was considered, but the original plan was ultimately maintained. Damian Hough, curator of the Adelaide Oval, has had to adapt to rock concerts and sporting events. This year, he prepared the pitch for a Test match with a special focus.Practice sessions in the center of the court provide a crucial competitive advantage for the Australian team. Captain Tim Paine highlighted the importance of these practices, especially for adapting to the conditions of the pink ball. Virat Kohli’s adaptation, who will only play one Test in the series, will be fundamental. Ajinkya Rahane will take over the captaincy in the remaining three matches. With an Australian attack led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, the goal is to limit Kohli’s impact. Paine acknowledges Kohli’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges.“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 a little more in the moment.”
Damian Hough
Instead of concerns about Covid protocols and border restrictions, tactical discussions and plans for the match offer a respite. Paine, who values his cricket career, does not feel “bubble” fatigue.“Virat is undoubtedly one of the best players, if not the best player in the world,” Paine commented. “We have plans that have worked against him in the past; we hope they work early this week, but if not, we have a couple of different plans.”
Tim Paine
After a year full of challenges, this new chapter between Australia and India promises to be an unforgettable sporting event.“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 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 bubble might make me play longer, if anything.”
Tim Paine
