After India’s astounding victory in the Perth Test, the action now moves to the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Australia would like to bounce back and level the 5-match Test series 1-1. While India looks like a strong team, Australia has a great record in day-night Tests.
The pink-ball Test will begin on 6th December and will be a crucial match in terms of where the series heads. With crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line, both teams will want to secure a win in the second Test.
Australia’s Dominance in Pink-Ball Tests
Australia has a strong record in pink-ball Tests, winning 11 out of the 12 they have played. The Indian team’s concern is that Australia has yet to lose a pink-ball Test in Adelaide, having won all seven previous encounters.
David Warner, who is now retired from Test cricket, holds the record for most runs in day-night Tests, having scored 647 runs. Marnus Labuschagne, with four centuries, has hit the most centuries in pink-ball Tests. Mitchell Starc, Australia’s fiery fast bowler, has picked up 39 wickets in the pink-ball Tests.
What Makes Australia a Threat in the Pink-Ball Test?
Australia has dominated the pink ball Tests from the start for numerous reasons. The pink ball swings more, especially under the lights, and Australia has threatened fast bowlers to exploit such conditions. Australian batters are technically sound enough to handle the swinging pink ball, ensuring the team survives the difficult twilight period.
Above all the technical aspects, Australia is a team that is not afraid to take brave decisions. The team has declared innings when they didn’t even score 300 runs, considering the fact that they can put the opposition under pressure with the swinging ball under lights.
India’s Last Encounter with Australia in a Pink-Ball Test
India had a Test to forget when they last played Australia in a pink-ball Test. Team India had an upper hand after the first innings, having a lead of 53 runs. What followed next is something that no Indian cricket fan would like to remember. India was bowled out for just 36 runs after Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ran through the batting lineup like it was a school team. Australia comfortably secured an 8-wicket win, with Tim Paine adjudged the player of the match for his unbeaten 73 runs in the first innings.
What to Expect in Adelaide?
Team India has the momentum after securing a comfortable win in the first Test, but it is Australia that holds a strong record in the day-night Tests. Australia will not back down from any competition, and the in-form Indian team would try to assert its dominance in the pink-ball Test.
With both teams looking even, the match is expected to be a close one, unless one of the teams has some other ideas.
Final Thoughts
India and Australia will lock horns for yet another riveting encounter when the two teams meet in the pink-ball Test on 6th December. While it looks like India has the upper hand after securing an easy win in the first Test, it is Australia that has a better record in the pink-ball Tests.
Cricket fans will be in for a massive treat when the two cricketing giants take on each other in a crucial match in Adelaide.