AUS vs IND: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Adelaide’s pink-ball Test

The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 will unfold at the renowned Adelaide Oval, where India and Australia will face off in a Pink-Ball Test on Friday (December 6).  Following India’s resounding 295-run victory in Perth, the series has reached new heights of intensity, particularly with the World Test Championship (WTC) standings at stake.

Australia vs India: Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

India will be eager to make a strong comeback after their challenging experience in the 2020 Pink-Ball Test, where they were dismissed for a record-low 36 – marking their lowest score in Test cricket history. Despite that setback, India went on to secure a memorable 2-1 series win and will look to leave those difficult memories behind as they prepare for this tough match.

Meanwhile, Australia will enter the fixture with an impressive record in day-night Tests. The hosts have remained unbeaten in pink-ball matches, securing 11 wins out of 12 matches played under lights. Their formidable pace attack, featuring Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, has been particularly effective in these conditions. This strong track record has further bolstered their confidence as they head into the match.

Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Adelaide’s pink-ball Test

1. Travis Head vs Jasprit Bumrah

Travis Head has often found himself in intense duels against Jasprit Bumrah, and their 2018 encounter in Adelaide was no different. Head faced 99 balls, scoring 28 runs, while managing to survive Bumrah’s searing pace and late swing. Their battle in 2024 saw Head again test his skills against Bumrah’s variations, with Head making 17 runs off 33 balls before being dismissed. Despite showing glimpses of attacking intent, Head’s overall struggle against Bumrah emphasized the bowler’s control and ability to dictate the terms with relentless accuracy and pace.

2. Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins

Virat Kohli’s encounters with Pat Cummins have been a significant feature of India-Australia Tests, highlighting the battle between one of the best batters of his era and a premier fast bowler. In 2017, Cummins dismissed Kohli for a rare duck, showcasing his ability to bowl with precision and fire. Their clash in 2018 was more challenging for Kohli, who scored 56 off 177 balls but fell three times to Cummins’ sharp pace and probing lines. Despite Kohli’s occasional success, Cummins’ relentless pressure and seam movement made him a difficult proposition, as reflected in Kohli’s modest average of 23.0 in their face-offs.

Also READ: AUS vs IND, 2nd Test: Adelaide Oval Pitch Report, Adelaide Test stats and records

3. Steve Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja

Steven Smith‘s encounters with Ravindra Jadeja have been a fascinating test of Smith’s technical prowess against quality spin. In 2013, Smith struggled against Jadeja but managed 29 runs off 119 balls. However, their defining duel came in 2017 when Smith faced 355 balls, scoring 122 runs and withstanding Jadeja’s spin through strategic shot placement and disciplined defense. Jadeja’s consistent pressure in 2023 brought Smith down to 89 off 201 balls, dismissing him four times in the series. Despite Smith’s determination, Jadeja’s tight lines and varied spin remained a challenge for the Australian batter.

4. Marnus Labuschagne vs Mohammed Siraj

The battle between Marnus Labuschagne and Mohammed Siraj showcases contrasting styles – Labuschagne’s composed technique versus Siraj’s relentless aggression. In 2020, Labuschagne managed just 11 runs off 24 balls, displaying a keen awareness of Siraj’s pace. Their 2021 clash was a different story as Labuschagne found form, scoring 75 runs from 148 balls with impressive defensive play. Nevertheless, in 2024, Siraj’s disciplined pace and bounce saw Labuschagne out for just 3 runs off 19 balls, proving Siraj’s continued growth as a bowler capable of unsettling even the best in the game.

5. Rishabh Pant vs Nathan Lyon

Rishabh Pant’s confrontations with Nathan Lyon have been characterized by his fearless approach and Lyon’s cunning spin. In 2018, Pant, with his natural attacking flair, scored 71 runs off 103 balls, countering Lyon’s spin with powerful shots. The 2019 series saw Pant score 51 off 81 balls without falling to Lyon. Their most dramatic battle came in 2021, where Pant smashed 95 runs in just 147 balls, displaying audacious stroke play and a deep understanding of Lyon’s variations. Despite a low score in 2024, Lyon’s masterful spin once again proved to be an obstacle, highlighting the ongoing struggle between Pant’s aggressive batting and Lyon’s deceptive spin.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: India’s record in Test cricket at the Adelaide Oval

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