After their stunning 295-run defeat in the first Test, Australia will face India in the second match of their five-Test series at Adelaide Oval on December 6, 2024. The loss came as a huge shock to the cricketing world, not just for the margin of defeat but for the way Australia’s batting faltered, raising serious concerns.
It’s been a challenging year for batsmen globally, but few expected India to recover from a 0-3 defeat at home to New Zealand and secure their third-largest Test victory away from home. The upcoming match will be a day-night Test, with the pink ball in play at Adelaide Oval—where Australia has never lost a pink-ball Test.
However, India enters this contest with newfound confidence, led by the formidable Jasprit Bumrah, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest seam bowlers of the era. The match promises to be a fierce battle between two of the world’s top Test teams.
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Australia vs India 2nd Test: Preview
Was Perth an instance of an exceptional team having an off week and their opponents performing at their absolute best, or does it reflect a great side past its peak, facing one capable of capitalizing on weaknesses? Perhaps the reality lies somewhere in between. The upcoming days in Adelaide should provide clearer insight into how this Test series might progress.
Another victory for India would leave Australia needing a historic comeback. Only once in Test history has a team overcome a 2-0 deficit in a five-match series—the 1936-37 Australian side under Don Bradman. Without rain in Manchester last year, England might have joined that exclusive list. However, if Australia triumphs in Adelaide, maintaining their perfect pink-ball record at this venue, the series will level at 1-1 with three matches to go, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion.
It might seem unusual to highlight uncertainties for a team leading 1-0 after a commanding 295-run win, but India has a few variables to address. Their last day-night Test in Adelaide saw them bowled out for 36 (though the collapse happened during daytime), and they haven’t played a floodlit Test since 2022. Even for someone as seasoned as KL Rahul, who detailed the complexities of facing the pink ball, this will be a new experience.
Adding to the mix is the return of captain Rohit Sharma and top-order batter Shubman Gill, prompting adjustments to the batting lineup. Rohit has confirmed that Rahul will remain the opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, while he will slot “somewhere in the middle.” Meanwhile, debate surrounds potential changes to the bowling attack. Nathan Lyon noted with surprise that India’s bench last week included R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, boasting over 850 Test wickets combined. Still, India’s squad depth allows them to approach these decisions from a position of strength.
Australia faces challenges of their own following Josh Hazlewood’s absence due to a side strain, though Scott Boland is a capable replacement. Concerns linger over the form of their batting unit and uncertainty around Mitchell Marsh’s ability to handle a full bowling workload, though he is expected to contribute with the ball in Adelaide.
Australia has refrained from making drastic changes in response to the Perth defeat—a decision that has irked some observers. However, if they fail to bounce back in Adelaide, this measured approach will likely come under scrutiny. Within the squad, there has been surprise at the intensity of the backlash to the opening loss, highlighting the high expectations placed on the team, particularly on home soil, where their overall record remains impressive. Nevertheless, there’s no denying the significance of this Test for Australia.
Australia vs India 2nd Test: Recent Form
Australia LWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India WLLLW.
Australia vs India 2nd Test: Head-to-head
- Matches Tied – 1
- Matches Played – 108
- Matches Won by Australia – 45
- Matches Won by India – 33
- Matches Lost by Australia – 32
- Matches Lost by India – 45
- Matches Drawn – 29
Australia vs India 2nd Test: Weather Report & Pitch Conditions as Thunderstorms Threaten Day One
Adelaide Oval groundsman Damien Hough has developed a keen expertise in preparing surfaces for day-night Tests. This season, he also curated a pink-ball Sheffield Shield pitch, and the Test strip will feature the same 6mm grass covering. “Whether it’s a red ball or a pink one, we’re aiming to replicate the Shield and Test preparation… very similar methods,” Hough explained. He noted that during the Shield game, batting became manageable under lights if set batters could counter the new ball. Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon predicted the pitch would offer some turn as the game progresses.
However, weather could play a role early on. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to disrupt play on the opening day and possibly spill into day two. Fortunately, the forecast clears up afterward, ensuring ample time for a decisive result.
Australia vs India 2nd Test: Team News and Predicted XI
Australia – Team News
Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood as Australia’s sole change for this match. This will mark Boland’s first home Test in two years, as he wasn’t required throughout the previous season. Notably, he has an impressive record in day-night Tests, claiming seven wickets at an average of 13.71 across two matches.
Australia – Predicted XI
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India – Team News
Rahul and Jaiswal are confirmed as openers, with Rohit Sharma set to bat in the middle order—though his exact position remains undecided. Shubman Gill is likely to return at No. 3, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 4. This arrangement could place Rohit at No. 5, ahead of Rishabh Pant. Washington Sundar’s batting prowess might once again give him an edge over R. Ashwin, despite Ashwin’s impressive record in Adelaide and the amount of time he was seen bowling and batting in the nets as well as discussing tactics with boss Gautam Gambhir. Allrounder Nitesh Kumar Reddy is also expected to retain his spot in the lineup.
India – Predicted XI
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Washington Sundar/Ravichandran Ashwin
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Harshit Rana
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
Australia vs India 2nd Test: Players Under the Spotlight
Australia – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins had a carefully managed lead-up to the first Test, entering the series without any recent four-day cricket, instead participating in a domestic one-dayer and two ODIs. While his preparation was meticulously planned in collaboration with the coaching staff, Cummins had a relatively quiet outing in Perth, even when Australia bowled India out for 150 on day one.
Despite this, Cummins’ track record earns him considerable trust, but with Hazlewood unavailable, the Australian captain will need to deliver at his peak in Adelaide. Reflecting on his performance, Cummins said, “Was reasonably happy with how I bowled, felt like it came out alright. Overall pretty happy with the rhythm.”
India – Rohit Sharma
All eyes will also be on Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, as he returns after missing the first Test to be present for the birth of his second child. His comeback has sparked an intriguing batting reshuffle, with Rohit making a team-first decision to bat in the middle order. Rahul and Jaiswal, who forged a record 201-run partnership in Perth’s second innings, will remain as openers.
Questions have been raised about Rohit’s recent form, as he hasn’t surpassed a score of 52 in his last ten innings. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive leadership in Perth has introduced an additional dynamic to India’s setup. It’s worth noting that Rohit’s highest Test score in Australia—an unbeaten 63—was achieved while batting at No. 6 during the 2018-19 series at the MCG.
Australia vs India 2nd Test: Match Prediction
What an exciting setup for the pink-ball Test! After being on the backfoot in their home series, India made a stunning comeback in Perth, defeating Australia by a commanding margin. On the other hand, Australia has been grappling with significant batting issues, enduring one of their worst batting years in 2024. They also suffered a defeat in their first pink-ball Test this year against the West Indies.
With the confidence gained from their victory in Perth, India is expected to go all out and take the upper hand in Adelaide. We predict that India will emerge victorious in this highly anticipated Test.
When and Where to Watch the Australia vs India 2nd Test LIVE? Live Telecast and Streaming Details
The first pink-ball test match between Australia and India will be held from Friday, December 6, with Day 1 starting at 9:30 AM IST. The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports network, and you can also stream it live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and app.
Read More: Simone Inzaghi Named Coach of the Year 2024: “I Hope to Stay at Inter for a Long Time”
FAQs
What was the result of the first Test in the series between India and Australia?
India defeated Australia by 295 runs in the first Test, delivering a shocking result for the hosts.
Why is the second Test at Adelaide significant?
The second Test, played with the pink ball at Adelaide Oval, is crucial as Australia has never lost a pink-ball Test there, but India is entering with newfound confidence after their Perth victory.
What batting issues has Australia been facing in 2024?
Australia has struggled with batting throughout 2024, including their worst year with the bat, and even lost their first pink-ball Test to the West Indies.
What makes India confident heading into the second Test?
India’s remarkable comeback in Perth, where they secured their third-largest Test win away from home, has boosted their confidence for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
What is the prediction for the second Test between India and Australia?
With their current form and confidence, India is expected to defeat Australia in the second Test at Adelaide Oval.
