The Border-Gavaskar Trophy turns its focus to Adelaide, the city of churches, for the second Test—a highly anticipated pink-ball encounter under the lights.
After India’s emphatic 295-run victory in Perth, despite being bowled out for 150 on the opening day, the pressure is mounting on the home side to bounce back and avoid consecutive Test match defeats to their subcontinental rivals.
With both teams making key adjustments, this promises to be a gripping contest.
🏏 The Significance of the Adelaide Test: A Battle Under the Lights
Adelaide’s day-night Tests with the pink ball have often favoured Australia, who boast a formidable record in such matches. They have only lost one day-night Test and remain unbeaten under lights at Adelaide.
This match will test the character of both sides. For India, a victory would put them on the brink of their third consecutive series win in Australia. For Australia, it’s a chance to regain pride and momentum while avoiding the ignominy of three consecutive home Test losses—a streak last seen in 1988.
Earlier this year, West Indies broke Australia’s aura of invincibility at the Gabba, and India’s triumph in Perth has compounded the pressure.
The pink ball, with its pronounced movement under lights, adds an unpredictable dynamic that could tilt the balance either way.
🏏 Marnus Labuschagne’s Batting Struggles
It is no secret that Marnus Labuschagne is enduring a torrid run with the bat. After a stellar run in test cricket between 2019 and 2021, averaging over 65 each year, his form has nosedived, with a paltry 13.66 average in his last 10 innings.
In Perth, his lack of intent stood out. Former captain Aaron Finch was critical, stating on Channel 7: “The way he’s been playing, it’s a negative mindset. Against great attacks like Bumrah and Siraj, it allows them to settle, and their margin for error becomes huge.”
Labuschagne must rediscover his rhythm quickly or risk becoming a weak link in the Australian line-up.
🏏 Rohit Sharma’s Role in the Line-Up
India welcomes back captain Rohit Sharma and the talented Shubman Gill. A key question looms: will Rohit open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal or drop to the middle order? His recent absence and a lean tour match in Canberra (3 runs) might raise concerns, but Sharma thrives under pressure and will look to lead from the front.
India collectively breathed a sigh of relief as ‘King’ Kohli notched up his 30th test century in Perth. Virat Kohli’s scintillating century in Perth (off just 143 balls) reignited his dominance in Australia
🏏Josh Hazlewood’s Absence
Australia faces a significant blow with Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to a side strain. His impeccable accuracy in Perth (4/29 and 1/28) was one of the few bright spots for the hosts. Scott Boland, 35, is set to replace him, but the aging roster raises concerns about the team’s future direction.
🏏 Australia’s ‘Dad’s Army’
With a squad predominantly over 30, questions are mounting about Australia’s long-term planning. Beau Webster and Brendan Doggett, both 30, join the team, but Australia will be concerned that there aren’t many youngsters in the country slamming down the door to play test cricket.
🏏 King Kohli’s Form
India collectively breathed a sigh of relief as ‘King’ Kohli notched up his 30th test century in Perth. Virat Kohli’s scintillating century in Perth (off just 143 balls) reignited his dominance in Australia, where he averages an impressive 56.03 – significantly above his career average (48.13). With the pink ball likely to move appreciably under lights, his ability to adapt and anchor India’s innings could decide the match’s outcome.
🏏 The Bumrah Conundrum
Jasprit Bumrah’s devastating match figures of 8/73 in Perth dismantled Australia’s batting line-up. His record in Australia (40 wickets at 18.80) underscores his threat. Coach Andrew McDonald stressed the need for a proactive approach against Bumrah, but with several top-order batsmen out of form, it remains a daunting challenge.
Opener Nathan McSweeney endured a forgettable debut in Perth, scoring just 10 and 0, while Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have also struggled for runs this year, both averaging in the mid-20s and without a century. In fact, Smith has not hit a century for 23 innings extending his lean form with the bat.
Ominously, all three fell to Bumrah in the first Test and will need a robust plan to counter him again.
🏏 Conclusion
Australia will be desperate to leverage their pink-ball expertise, but India’s formidable line-up, bolstered by the return of Rohit Sharma, is primed to capitalize on their momentum.
The outcome could hinge on Australia’s ability to counter Bumrah’s brilliance and whether their bowlers can exploit India’s batting vulnerabilities under lights.
The 2nd test match between Australia & India starts Friday 6th December in Adelaide.
Nav Ganesh is the founder of Infinity Cricket (www.instagram.com/infinitycricket). A passionate cricket writer and entrepreneur, he loves traveling and the game of cricket. Follow him on Instagram @navman26 (www.instagram.com/navman26)
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🏏🌟 Nav Ganesh previews Adelaide’s pink-ball Test as India seeks a series edge & Australia fights back.🌕🔥 @imVkohli’s form & @Jaspritbumrah93’s brilliance meet under lights!✨ Don’t miss this epic showdown! 💥🇮🇳🇦🇺 Who will prevail?🎤💬 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/ybeq9lOuzC
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) December 4, 2024
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