Adelaide Oval’s pitch curator Damian Hough has set the stage for a thrilling contest in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Hough revealed that an even 6mm grass cover has been prepared for this purpose, which will definitely go in favour of seamers. With rain expected on Day 1, the conditions could heavily favour bowlers, particularly under lights.
“History suggests that it is hard to bat under lights in Adelaide. The pitch will have 6mm of grass. We’re trying to produce a pitch that encourages a good contest,” Hough told reporters.
Rain to Disrupt Day 1 of the Adelaide Test?
Hough confirmed again that weather could be decisive, and on December 6 with an 88% probability of rain, the first-inning batting team would be out of luck. Damp conditions along with the ball’s natural movement could play a nightmare for the settling batters.
“The ball hooping around has got nothing to do with the pitch. Under the right conditions, right weather, the ball will move.”, Hough further added.
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Lessons from the Last Pink-Ball Clash
The Adelaide Oval has seen dramatic pink-ball encounters before. During the 2020-21 series, India was bowled out for their lowest-ever Test score—36—in the second innings at this venue. Despite a strong first-innings lead, where Virat Kohli’s 74 stood out, India couldn’t withstand Australia’s pace attack.
Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul and Pat Cummins’ four-fer dismantled India in just 21.2 overs, paving the way for Australia’s eight-wicket victory. The Indian bowlers had been lethal in the first innings, bundling out Australia for 191, but the conditions turned sharply against the visitors in the second innings.
Hough stressed that while the surface offers something for seamers, it remains a balanced pitch.
The pitch did not play a part in the Test match finishing in 3 days last time India were here. I thought that it was really good bowling from Australia. As long as there is something in it for all aspects of the game, I am happy, I just want a good contest.”, he said.
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