Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Spotlight on Pitch and Weather Ahead of Pink Ball Test in Adelaide

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team enters the second Pink Ball Test in Adelaide with momentum from their emphatic 295-run victory in Perth. Holding a 1-0 lead in the series, India aims to extend their advantage in the day-night format, but the pitch conditions and rain forecast for the opening day have added intrigue to the contest.

Adelaide Oval pitch curator Damian Hough assured a good playing surface, with 6mm of grass retained, similar to the recent Sheffield Shield match at the venue. The Pacers dominated that game, but set batters were able to withstand the pink ball under lights. Hough dismissed suggestions that the pitch contributed to India’s infamous 36 all-out collapse during the 2020-21 series, crediting Australia’s disciplined bowling for the dramatic result. He said:

On the morning of day three, no one would have expected that Test match to finish in three days. That was just really good bowling from Australia … I don’t think the pitch played a part in that. Our job is to get that balance right and try to get a really good, even contest.

Rain and thunderstorms could disrupt play on the opening day, but clear conditions are forecast from Saturday. While Hough looked hopeful about Saturday morning, he added:

Friday looks like it could be thunderstorms. I’m not sure exactly on the timing of those storms coming through, but we’re expecting to pull covers on Friday. Hopefully, it clears out on Saturday morning, then it should be good for the remainder of the Test.

Australia boasts a formidable record in day-night Tests, winning 11 of 12 since the format’s introduction in 2015. India, with three victories from four Pink Ball Tests, seeks to reverse their lone defeat at Adelaide in 2020.