Team India preparing for the second Counter Test Australia in Adelaide, a part of Sarhad-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. After their triumphant tour of Perth, the bowling management is faced with an important decision. While Washington Sundar Played as the lone specialist spinner in the first Test, the conditions in Adelaide and the dynamics of the pitch could lead to changes in the playing XI. Will India opt for additional spin options or stick to their aggressive attack?
Memories from the last Pink-Ball Test in India
Notably, India’s last pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval was a forgettable outing, marked by their lowest Test innings of 36 runs. A dramatic collapse in December 2020 saw Virat Kohli’s then side succumb to an eight-wicket defeat. Considering the current encounter is also an overnight encounter, the team will aim to bring back the ghosts of their previous Pink Rose experience and script a different story.
The 6mm grass on the pitch increases the excitement for the fast bowlers
Curator of Adelaide Damian Howe recently revealed that the second Test pitch has six millimeters of grass, designed to make the pink ball more effective. This has raised the expectations of the fast bowling party. With the pink ball known for its powerful movement under the lights, the surface can be a paradise for pacers from both sides. India speed prayer from jasprit bumraand Muhammad Siroch willing to take advantage of these conditions, while Australian tailors are equally up for the challenge.
Also READ: AUS vs IND, Pink ball Test: Adelaide weather for all 5 days | Australia v India 2024
The reason why spin will be important in the second Test
According to curator Howe, despite the excitement surrounding grass on the pitch, spin will play a crucial role in the second Test. He emphasized the importance of including a specialist spinner for the Adelaide Test, noting the historical significance of spin at the venue. He stated that the spin has consistently affected the game in Adelaide, making the selection of a front spinner an obvious choice rather than a debate. Hoff pointed Nathan Lyonoutstanding record in Adelaide over the past decade as evidence of the suitability of the location for spinning.
“Spin is always going to play a role in Adelaide. You need to pick a front spinner. So it should never be a question of whether we are, should it? It should always be. Nathan Lyon’s record in the last 10 years is second to none no less. He’s had good success here, so always pick a spinner.” Howe said in a press interview.
Hough also explained the role of pitch preparation in helping spin bowling. He noted that putting in extra grass, including a variety known as “Crazy Grass,” allows the spinners to grip, bounce and spin. While acknowledging that Adelaide may not offer as much support to spinners as some other places around the world, Hugh reiterated that spin has been a staple in Adelaide for decades, making it a consistent element of the game at the venue. .
“The idea is to leave that bit of extra grass and Maddy grass so that the spinners can buy off that board and bite it and pick it up and fly it. So we want spin to play a role in Adelaide. Maybe we can do it like other places around the world. We can’t get the world, but spinning plays a role traditionally, and it has for decades and decades.” added Hugh.
