India Prepares for Adelaide Test with Two-Day Pink-Ball Practice Match Against Australia PM XI

Team India is gearing up for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide with a crucial two-day pink-ball practice match against the Australia Prime Minister XI. The match will begin at 9:10 AM IST (2:40 PM local time) and offers India the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their skills under the challenging lights of day-night cricket.

India’s history with pink-ball Tests has been largely positive, with dominant wins against Bangladesh, England, and Sri Lanka. However, their only loss came in the infamous 2020 Adelaide Test, where they were bowled out for a mere 36 runs in the second innings, a stark reminder of the unique challenges posed by the pink ball in day-night conditions.

Among India’s standout performers in pink-ball cricket is Virat Kohli. With four day-night Tests under his belt, Kohli has scored 277 runs in six innings, including a sublime 136 against Bangladesh in 2019, which remains his highest score in pink-ball cricket. Known for his sharp running and ability to adapt to the movement of the ball, Kohli continues to be India’s most reliable player under lights. His valiant 74 in the first innings of the 2020 Adelaide Test was one of the few bright spots in India’s historic collapse.

India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, who missed the first Test in Perth due to the birth of his second child, has also shown promise in day-night matches. In four pink-ball Tests, Rohit has accumulated 235 runs, with his best score being 66 against England in 2021.

Rishabh Pant, despite having played only three pink-ball matches, has made a significant impact with his aggressive style. Pant’s fearless approach has been evident, as he scored an unbeaten 103 in a practice game against Australia A in 2020, demonstrating his ability to thrive in the unpredictable conditions of pink-ball cricket.

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s most reliable bowler in day-night matches, has taken 18 wickets across four pink-ball Tests. His standout performance came in the 2021 Ahmedabad Test, where he took 4/48 in an innings, playing a pivotal role in India’s victory. Ashwin’s consistency with the pink ball was also on display during the 2020 Adelaide Test, where he claimed five wickets across both innings.

Jasprit Bumrah, another key player for India in pink-ball Tests, has proven to be a lethal bowler, taking 13 wickets in five matches. His best figures of 5/24 came in 2022 against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, showcasing his ability to swing the pink ball effectively and bowl pinpoint yorkers under lights.

Shubman Gill, India’s rising star, has also displayed promise in his limited experience with the pink ball. In two matches, including an unofficial tour game, Gill has scored 134 runs, with a highest score of 65 against Australia A.

Several players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Reddy, Harshit Rana, Sarfaraz Khan, and Akash Deep, are yet to play in a pink-ball Test. The two-day practice match will be crucial for them to test their skills in these unique conditions, as India prepares for the high-stakes second Test in Adelaide, part of the thrilling five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

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