India vs Australia Pink Ball Test: The much awaited clash between India and Australia in the Pink Ball Test at Adelaide rekindles memories of one of Indian cricket’s darkest days. Back in 2020, India crumbled to their lowest Test total, just 36 runs on the very same ground. Despite their commanding victory over Australia in Perth recently, the upcoming Day/Night Test with the pink ball brings unique challenges that India must navigate carefully.
Table of Contents
India vs Australia Pink Ball Test: Why Adelaide Remains a Big Threat for India
Australia’s Dominance in Pink Ball Tests
Australia holds an unparalleled record in Day/Night Tests, boasting an 11-1 win-loss ratio. They have mastered the art of playing with the pink ball under lights, making the format their stronghold. With a staggering 81 cumulative Pink Ball Test matches among the current squad, the hosts bring a wealth of experience to the table.
In comparison, India’s entire squad has a combined experience of just 20 Day/Night Test matches. Only Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have featured in all four of India’s Pink Ball Tests, further exposing the lack of exposure in this unique format.
Team Records in Pink Ball Tests
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 12 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| India | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Adelaide’s Lingering Nightmare
India’s only loss in Pink Ball cricket came at Adelaide during the 2020-21 tour when they were skittled out for 36 in a humiliating collapse. The memory of that horror day remains etched in the minds of Indian fans, and the team will need to overcome both psychological and technical challenges this time around.
Australia’s Key Pink Ball Performers
Australia’s success in Day/Night Tests isn’t just about experience, it’s also about individual brilliance.
- Mitchell Starc: The left-arm pacer thrives with the pink ball, having claimed a jaw dropping 66 wickets in just 12 matches, including a best of 6/66.
- Nathan Lyon: The wily off-spinner has taken 43 wickets in 12 Day/Night Tests, proving that spin can also be a potent weapon in these conditions.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Among batters, Labuschagne has dominated Pink Ball Tests, amassing 894 runs at an impressive average, including a high score of 163.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 12 | 297 | 66 | 6/66 |
| Nathan Lyon | 12 | 182 | 43 | 5/69 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 8 | 894 | 1 | – |
| Josh Hazlewood | 8 | 34 | 37 | 6/70 |
Australia’s Pink Ball proficiency is well-rounded, with both their batting and bowling departments showcasing depth and consistency.
India’s Inexperience with the Pink Ball
India, on the other hand, has a relatively rookie setup when it comes to Pink Ball cricket. While stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have fared decently, the overall lack of exposure could work against them.
India’s Pink Ball Key Performers
- Virat Kohli: India’s top scorer in Pink Ball Tests with 277 runs, including a century.
- Ravichandran Ashwin: The standout bowler for India in this format, with 18 wickets in just four matches.
| Player | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 4 | 277 | 0 | – |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 4 | 67 | 18 | 4/48 |
| Rohit Sharma | 3 | 173 | 0 | – |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 3 | 7 | 10 | 5/24 |
However, many players in the current lineup have no experience with the pink ball, leaving them vulnerable against Australia’s well-oiled machine.
The Pink Ball Factor
The pink ball is a game-changer in Test cricket. Its hard lacquer allows for greater swing and lateral movement, especially under lights. This presents a significant challenge for Indian batters, who have historically struggled against the swinging ball.
- Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins – arguably the most lethal pace trio in world cricket , can wreak havoc with their mastery over the pink ball.
- Additionally, Nathan Lyon’s ability to extract spin in twilight conditions makes Australia’s bowling attack a complete package.
Why India Must Be Wary
Despite their recent triumph in Perth, India’s challenge in Adelaide is multi-faceted:
- Lack of Experience: The inexperience in Pink Ball Tests, particularly among younger players, leaves India at a disadvantage.
- Swing and Movement: The hard lacquer of the pink ball will test India’s top-order technique against swing and seam.
- Australia’s Home Advantage: With a near-perfect Pink Ball Test record and a formidable lineup, the Aussies will be tough to beat in their fortress.
- Psychological Hurdle: The scars of Adelaide 2020 might still linger, and India must guard against another collapse.
The India vs Australia Pink Ball Test at Adelaide promises to be an enthralling battle. For India to exorcise the ghosts of 2020 and overcome the Adelaide threat, they’ll need exceptional performances from their senior players and a collective effort from the squad.
FAQs
How many Pink Ball Tests has India played?
India has played 4 Pink Ball Tests, winning 3 and losing 1
Who is India’s top scorer in Pink Ball Tests?
Virat Kohli is India’s top scorer in Pink Ball Tests, with 277 runs in 4 matches, including a century
