Australia and India are set to square off in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, commencing on December 6. After a decisive performance in the first Test, both teams are ready to battle under the unique conditions of a pink-ball, day-night encounter in Adelaide.
India’s commanding start: A statement of intent
India will enter the second Test brimming with confidence after a dominant 295-run victory in the opening game at Perth. Set a daunting target of 534 runs, Australia’s batting lineup faltered, folding for just 238, handing India an emphatic win and an early advantage in the series.
Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer, delivering a match-winning performance with the ball, including a sensational five-wicket haul that dismantled the Australian batting unit. For the second Test, India will welcome back Rohit Sharma as captain, with Shubman Gill also expected to return after recovering from injury. These inclusions add depth and experience to an already formidable Indian side.
Australia’s fightback: Aiming for redemption
On the other hand, Australia will be eager to bounce back and level the series. With the World Test Championship (WTC) final qualification in sight, the stakes are incredibly high. Historically, Australia have excelled in pink-ball Tests with a hundred percent record at Adelaide Oval in the pink-ball format, and the team will lean on this experience to challenge India under the lights. The Australian camp faces a crucial change as Scott Boland is likely to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul? Who should open for India in the Adelaide Test
Predictions for the second Test by Michael Clarke and Aaron Finch
Experts and fans are split on the likely outcome of the second Test. Former players like Aaron Finch and Michael Clarke have tipped Australia to win, citing their dominance in pink-ball conditions. Clarke believed Mitchell Starc will emerge as the standout player, while Finch sees Boland as the game-changer.
Clarke, appearing on ESPN’s Around the Cricket alongside Neroli Meadows and Lisa Sthalekar, predicted that Starc renowned for his extraordinary pink-ball record of 66 wickets in 12 Tests – would be the key player for Australia.
“Australia to win so one or at the end of Adelaide, man of the match, Mitchell Starc,” Clarke said.
Finch, however, placed his bets on Boland, citing his ability to exploit Adelaide’s conditions effectively.
” We’ve got a Victorian back in the side so Scott Boland on return (Player of the Match), Australia win. By the end of the series we could have his (Boland) statue everywhere,” Finch said.
India’s infamous 36-all out: Adelaide’s pink-ball history
The Adelaide Oval holds special significance in pink-ball cricket, especially for India. Their last outing here, in December 2020, remains etched in memory for its dramatic outcome. India had a strong start, with Virat Kohli’s composed 74 leading the team to a first-innings total of 244. In response, Australia managed only 191, thanks to Tim Paine’s fighting 73 and Ravichandran Ashwin’s four-wicket haul.
Nevertheless, the match took a shocking turn on the third day. Resuming their second innings at 9/1, India’s batting lineup crumbled spectacularly, collapsing to a mere 36 all out – their lowest-ever Test score. Hazlewood and Pat Cummins combined for nine wickets, delivering a masterclass in pace bowling. Australia chased the modest target of 90 with ease, registering an eight-wicket victory.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s how India have flared in pink-ball Tests
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