BCCI

India and Australia are set to face off in the second match of their five-match Test series in Adelaide, starting on December 6. This will be a day-night Test, played with the pink ball. After securing a dominant 295-run victory in Perth, the Indian team is brimming with confidence. On the other hand, Australia, reeling from a loss on home soil, is gearing up for a tough challenge. However, day-night Tests are a different ball game, and Australia has a strong record in these matches. Let's take a look at India’s performance in day-night Tests and how the team is shaping up for this upcoming encounter.

India’s Day-Night Test Record

India has played four day-night Tests so far, with a remarkable record of three wins and one loss. This translates to a win rate of 75% in these types of matches. The loss, however, came in Adelaide during the 2020-21 series, where India suffered an eight-wicket defeat.

India's Wins in Day-Night Tests

India’s first day-night Test came in 2019 against Bangladesh in Kolkata, where they won by 46 runs. This marked the beginning of India’s journey in day-night Test cricket. In subsequent matches, India defeated England in February 2021 in Ahmedabad by 10 wickets, and they also beat Sri Lanka in Bangalore in March 2022 by 238 runs.

The 2020 Adelaide Defeat

The one loss India has experienced in day-night Tests was at the Adelaide Oval in 2020. In that match, India was bowled out for just 36 runs in their second innings, which remains their lowest-ever Test score. Australia chased down the target of 90 runs with ease, winning by eight wickets. It was a devastating defeat for India, but they are looking to bounce back and turn things around in future encounters, especially with the changes in their squad and improved form.

Key Players for India in Day-Night Tests

Virat Kohli: The Leading Run-Getter

Virat Kohli has been India’s top performer in day-night Tests, accumulating 277 runs at an average of 46.16 in four matches. His consistency makes him a key figure in India’s batting line-up for the upcoming match.

Ravichandran Ashwin: The Bowling Mainstay

In terms of wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin leads the pack for India, having taken 18 wickets in four day-night Tests at an impressive average of 13.83. His experience with the pink ball will be crucial in conditions that typically favor spinners.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill: A Boost to India’s Batting

India’s regular captain, Rohit Sharma, and opener Shubman Gill are both set to return for this Test. Their inclusion will significantly strengthen India’s batting line-up. However, the team management faces a challenge in fitting them into the winning combination without disrupting the balance of the team.

Australia’s Day-Night Test Dominance

Australia has played 12 day-night Tests, winning 11 of them and losing just one. Their only defeat came against New Zealand in 2016. Australia’s record in day-night Tests is exceptional, with victories against various teams such as India, England, Pakistan, and South Africa. They have a history of performing well with the pink ball, especially on home soil.

Australia’s Strengths

Australia’s attack, led by the likes of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, has been formidable in day-night conditions. Although Hazlewood will miss the second Test due to injury, Australia’s ability to dominate with the pink ball remains a major challenge for India.

Looking Ahead: India’s Chances in Adelaide

As India heads into this Test, the team will be keen to forget the bitter memories of their 2020 Adelaide defeat. With key players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill back in the squad, India will look to capitalize on their recent form and secure a win. The team’s strong performances in recent day-night Tests give them confidence, but they will need to play smart, disciplined cricket to overcome Australia’s potent pink-ball record.