The cricketing world eagerly anticipates the second Test between Australia and India, set to commence on December 6, 2024, at the Adelaide Oval. Following India's commanding 295-run victory in the series opener in Perth, the stakes are elevated as both teams prepare for this pivotal day-night encounter.
Match Preview
India's triumph in Perth has provided them with significant momentum. Their bowlers showed exceptional skill, dismissing Australia for a mere 104 runs in the first innings, while the batters capitalized to set formidable targets.
Conversely, Australia faces the challenge of regrouping and addressing vulnerabilities exposed during the first Test. The pink-ball Test in Adelaide presents a unique set of conditions, especially under lights, which both teams will need to adeptly navigate.
Team News
Australia's camp is under scrutiny, particularly concerning the form of veteran batter Steve Smith. Over his last ten innings, Smith has accumulated only 188 runs at an average of 23.5, with his last century dating back 22 innings. This decline has raised questions about his place in the team.
Additionally, the Australian bowling unit, which allowed India to declare at 487-6 in the second innings in Perth, is under pressure to deliver a more disciplined performance. Selectors are contemplating changes, with Scott Boland's inclusion in the Prime Minister's XI against India seen as a potential audition for the Adelaide Test.
India's preparations faced a setback due to inclement weather in Canberra, disrupting their warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI. This match was crucial for players like skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test, to gain match practice. Despite this, the team remains optimistic, with the potential return of Rohit Sharma and batter Shubman Gill bolstering the squad.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Adelaide Oval is renowned for its batting-friendly surface, which adds an advantage for swing bowlers under lights during day-night tests. Historically, the pink ball has offered significant movement, especially during twilight sessions, making it imperative for batters to remain vigilant. The weather forecast for Adelaide during the Test indicates clear skies with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 33°C, suggesting minimal weather disruptions.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia:
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
India:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Shubman Gill
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Players
Australia:
Marnus Labuschagne: A pivotal figure in Australia's batting lineup, Labuschagne's recent form has been underwhelming, averaging 24.5 across six matches this year. But he will be eager to return to his best in this match, as his ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for Australia's resurgence.
Pat Cummins: The Australian captain and premier fast bowler, Cummins' leadership and bowling prowess are vital. He will aim to inspire his team and lead by example, especially under the challenging conditions of a pink-ball Test.
India:
Virat Kohli: The former captain remains a cornerstone of India's batting. His experience and ability to perform in Australian conditions make him a key player, especially in navigating the pink ball under lights. He will be eager to carry his form forward from the first Test, where he scored a century.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah's exceptional bowling in leading India's pace attack was instrumental in Perth. He was also awarded the Player of the Match. His ability to exploit the conditions in Adelaide will be crucial for India's success.
Match Prediction
Considering India's dominant performance in the first Test and their balanced squad, they have the upper hand. However, Australia's familiarity with Adelaide's conditions and their strong record in day-night Tests must be considered. The match promises to be a closely contested encounter, with the team adapting better to the pink-ball conditions likely to emerge victorious.