Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT: A Balanced Adelaide Pitch or a Bowler’s Paradise?

Credit -- Cricshots

India aims to overcome past demons as seam and swing await under Adelaide’s lights.

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is around the corner. India and Australia face off at the Adelaide Oval on December 6. Indian fans are curious and nervous. This is the same ground where India collapsed for 36 in 2020. The pink-ball Test promises another gripping contest. But what role will the pitch play? Pitch curator Damian Hough has given an update.

Grass cover and curator’s view

The pitch will have 6mm of grass cover, the same preparation used in a recent Sheffield Shield match. The game saw pacers dominate, but batters survived under the right conditions. Hough says the pitch is balanced. “We want a good contest between bat and ball,” he explained. Rain may disrupt play on Day 1, but the skies should clear up afterwards.

Conditions under lights

The pink ball behaves differently under lights. It swings more and seams sharply. Batting in the evening becomes tricky. Players need to adjust and play the ball late. Afternoon sessions will be friendlier for batting. But once the floodlights are on, it’s the bowlers’ time to shine.

The curator emphasized that swing comes from conditions, not the pitch. “The ball hooping around has nothing to do with the pitch,” Hough clarified. Seamers will have a big role, especially with the new ball.

Revisiting India’s 36 all-out

Fans haven’t forgotten India’s lowest Test score. In 2020, they were bowled out for 36 at this venue. The match ended in just three days. Despite leading by 53 runs, India collapsed in the second innings. Australia chased down the target of 90 with ease.

Hough defended the pitch. He said it wasn’t to blame for the collapse. “That was just really good bowling from Australia,” he said. This time, India will aim to put that nightmare behind them.

Pacers set to shine

The pitch will help seamers early on. Rain and overcast conditions on Day 1 could make things tough for batters. The pink ball will move more under such conditions. Spinners, though, might come into play later. Hough hinted at some turns and bounces as the game progresses.

Both teams have strong bowling line-ups. Pacers are expected to dominate the first innings. Batters will need to stay patient and wait for the ball to lose its shine.

A history of runs and twists

Traditionally, Adelaide has been a batting paradise. Many high scores have been posted here. But day-night Tests change the equation. The pink ball and cooler evening conditions make life hard for batters. Partnerships can be built in the afternoon, but breaking them under lights becomes easier.

The conditions make it a test of skill and adaptability. Batters must learn to survive the challenging twilight phase. Bowlers, on the other hand, will relish the swing and seam on offer.

A contest to look forward to

India heads into this game with confidence. After a big win in Perth, they lead the series 1-0. But they will want to banish memories of their Adelaide collapse in 2020.

The pitch promises a fair contest between bat and ball. Afternoon sessions will test bowlers' patience, and the evening will challenge batters. With rain expected on Day 1, conditions may favour swing and seam early on.

This Test has all the ingredients for an enthralling match. Who will adapt better under the lights? The Adelaide Oval is ready to provide answers.