India, riding high on their historic Perth Test win, are determined to maintain their momentum in the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide. 

Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, while acknowledging the significance of the Perth victory, stressed the importance of a fresh start. He emphasized that the team would approach the Adelaide Test with a clean slate, leaving no room for complacency. 

Indian bowlers are doing their best to understand the dynamics of the pink ball. BCCI shared a video in which bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep and Yash Dayal shared their insights about the unique challenges posed by the pink ball.

Prasidh Krishna highlighted the significant difference in weight and seam between the pink and red balls. He explained, "The pink ball is slightly heavier and has a more pronounced seam due to the black dye. This increased seam movement makes it more unpredictable, especially under the lights."

Mukesh Kumar emphasized the visibility issue with the pink ball. He said, "The seam isn't easily visible on the pink ball. Batters often rely on the shine to gauge the ball's movement. With the pink ball, this visual cue is missing, making it harder to predict its behavior."

Akash Deep pointed out another key difference in the ball's behaviour. "The pink ball tends to bounce more than the red ball," he observed. This added bounce can further challenge batsmen, especially on pitches that already offer extra bounce.

The Indian cricket team arrived in Canberra on Wednesday and wasted no time in preparing for the upcoming pink-ball Test against Australia, scheduled to begin on December 6 at the Manuka Oval. Their first training session on Friday was marked by intense focus on acclimatising to the pink ball, despite persistent drizzle.

The session followed a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on Thursday, adding a diplomatic touch to the tour.

Training Under Tough Conditions

Under the supervision of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, the team demonstrated resilience and determination, braving adverse weather conditions to make the most of their practice time.

India will look to overcome their haunting memories of the 2020 Adelaide Test, where they recorded their lowest-ever Test total of 36 in a day-night game.

Setback for Australia

The Australian side faces a significant blow with the absence of pacer Josh Hazlewood, who claimed five wickets in that infamous Adelaide Test. Hazlewood has been ruled out of the series due to injury, providing some relief for the Indian batting lineup.

However, India remains wary of the Australian attack, which will be eager to regroup and recover from their defeat in Perth.

Shubman Gill's Return to Training

A major highlight of Friday’s session was the return of Shubman Gill to batting practice. Gill, who missed the first Test due to a thumb fracture sustained during pre-series simulations, looked in fine form during training.

Facing bowlers such as Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and Yash Dayal, Gill appeared confident as he tackled the pacers and executed a range of shots, particularly within the 'V'.

The coaching staff noted that Gill showed no visible discomfort with his thumb during the session. However, it remains uncertain whether he will feature in the upcoming warm-up game.

Agencies