The cricketing world’s attention is once again drawn to the picturesque Adelaide Oval, where the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia is slated to unfold under the floodlights on December 6. The Test match isn’t just a contest for supremacy to get an edge in the ongoing series and the race to World Test Championship Final, but also a narrative rich in tradition.
The Adelaide Oval, inaugurated in 1873, stands as a monument to cricket’s heritage. This venue has not only been the home of the South Australian Cricket Association but also for the South Australian National Football League since 2014. With its capacity now reaching up to 50,000, the Oval has undergone several renovations yet maintains its charm, notably through its 115-year-old historic manual scoreboard, the only one still in use in Australia. This scoreboard operates across four stories, providing a unique blend of old and new in score presentation.
India will arrive in Adelaide on December 2 with a significant psychological edge, having dominated in Perth with a 295-run victory. This performance has not only boosted morale but also put the Australian team under the spotlight, eager to bounce back on their home turf. However, the memory of the 2020 pink-ball Test at this very venue, where India suffered an historic collapse, scoring only 36 runs in their second innings, might be a cautionary tale for the visitors.
The Indian team, under the guidance of its captain, is fine-tuning their game through a warm-up match against the Prime Minister XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, starting November 30. This preparation is crucial, especially considering the unique conditions a day-night Test presents with the pink ball, known for its swing and seam movement under lights, especially in the twilight period.
Damian Hough, the head curator at Adelaide Oval, since July 2010, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the pitch is up to the mark for such a high-stakes game. His team’s dedication to maintaining the playing surface, using tools like the Clegg Impact Tester to gauge the pitch’s hardness, exemplifies the meticulous care taken in cricket’s heartland. The pitch preparation for this Test is no ordinary task.
Since the historic first pink ball Test in 2015 against New Zealand, Adelaide Oval has been the crucible for this format, turning into a theatre where cricket’s traditional essence meets modern innovation. The pink ball, under the LED lights, offers a different visual and tactical challenge, with its enhanced visibility, swing, and seam movement making batting a tougher proposition as the day progresses into night.
The match is expected to be a tactical duel. India, with their golden arm in Jasprit Bumrah and a host of pace options might exploit the twilight conditions where the ball’s behavior is most unpredictable. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill set to return to the XI, the Indian batting line-up is stacked with experience and solidity. Australia, with their pace attack, will aim to use the new ball’s movement to unsettle the Indian top order early on.
The anticipation isn’t just about cricket. The Adelaide Test is an event, drawing fans for the experience of watching cricket in one of the world’s most scenic venues. The seats, the stands, especially the Sir Donald Bradman Pavilion and the Chappell Stand, are all dressed up, ready to host fans from around the globe. The atmosphere, the crowd’s roar, the pink ball’s visibility against the backdrop of the dusk skyline, all contribute to making this Test not just a game but a contest that can once again enter the cricketing books just like the last time these two teams faced off at the iconic venue.