Team India are preparing for the second Test against Australia Adelaide, part of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. After the victorious tour in Perth, the management is faced with a crucial decision regarding the bowling line-up. while Washington Sundar Played as the lone specialist spinner in the first Test, the conditions and pitch dynamics in Adelaide could lead to changes in the playing XI. Will India opt for extra spin options or stick to their pace attack?
Memories from India’s last Pink-Ball Test
Notably, India’s last pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval was a forgettable outing marked by the lowest Test innings of 36 runs. The dramatic collapse in December 2020 saw the then Virat Kohli-led side suffer an eight-wicket defeat. As the current clash is also a day-night encounter, the team will aim to bring back the ghosts of their previous pink ball experiences and write a different story.
6mm grass on the pitch adds excitement to the fast bowler
Curator of Adelaide Damian Hough recently announced that the pitch for the second Test will feature six millimeters of grass, designed to make the pink ball more effective. This raised the expectations for the fast bowling celebration. With the pink ball known for its enhanced movement under lights, the surface can be heaven for pacers from both sides. India’s pace duo jasprit bumrahand Muhammad Siraj Australian sailors will be eager to take advantage of these conditions while being equally up for the challenge.
Also READ: AUS vs IND, Pink Ball Test: Adelaide Weather Forecast for all 5 days | Australia v India 2024
The reason why spin is crucial in the second Test
According to curator Hough, spin will play a crucial role in the second Test despite the excitement around grass on the pitch. He emphasized the importance of including a specialist spinner for the Adelaide Test, highlighting the historical importance of spin at the venue. He said spin has consistently affected the game in Adelaide, making the choice of spinner in the frontline an obvious choice rather than a debate. Hough pointed out Nathan Lyon‘s remarkable record in Adelaide over the past decade as evidence of the place’s suitability for spinners.
“Spin always plays a part in Adelaide. You have to choose a spinner on the front. So there should never be a question, right? It should always be. Nathan Lyon’s record over the last 10 years is second to none. It was very successful here. So always pick a spinner” Hough said in a media interaction.
Hough also explained the role of pitch preparation in helping spin bowling. He noted that the release of additional grasses, including a variety known as “Crazy Grass,” gives spinners the ability to catch, bounce and spin. While acknowledging that Adelaide may not be as supportive of spinners as some other venues globally, Hough reiterated that spin has traditionally been a defining factor in Adelaide for decades, making it a consistent element of the game at the venue.
“The idea of leaving extra grass and Maddy grass is so that the spinner can shop through that mat and bite and grab and jump on it. So we want spin to play a role in Adelaide. We may not get as much as other parts of the world, but spin has traditionally played a role and has for decades and decades. Hough added.
