India defeated Australia by 295 runs in the first Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. The Men in Blue became the first visiting team to overcome the Kangaroos at Optus Stadium in Perth. Moving on from the first match, the host team shifted their focus to the upcoming day and night pink-ball test match at Adelaide Oval. It is set to start on December 6th.
In the middle of all, the Australians have been caught off guard yet again. Josh Hazelwood has already been ruled out with a side strain. Now, the team faced an injury scare during a practice session in Adelaide on December 3rd, before the pink ball Test. Their top batter, Steve Smith, was hit in the thumb while batting in the nets.
Damian Hough, the pitch curator at Adelaide Oval, has verified that the surface will be evenly covered in grass, 6mm to be exact for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s second Test match. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, December 4, Hough stated that the conditions will benefit the seamers. When asked if the conditions in Adelaide would be overwhelmingly advantageous for fast bowlers. He and his staff were working to create a balanced surface.
Bowler-Friendly or Batting Hell
The batters, pacers, and spinners could all have an effect on the Test match. However, the curator emphasised that in some conditions, such as cricket under lights or in overcast conditions, seamers will benefit greatly from the wicket. Thunderstorms are likely on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test, with an 88 percent chance of rain on December 6. Hough stated that on some days, the ball will swing and seam due to venue conditions.
Damian Hough said, “History suggests that it is hard to bat under lights in Adelaide. The pitch will have 6mm of grass. We are trying to produce a pitch that would be a good contest. The pitch did not play a part in the Test match finishing in 3 days last time India was here. I thought that it was really good bowling from Australia. As long as there is something in it for all aspects of the game.”
