Border Gavaskar Trophy: Check out Adelaide pitch report for Australia vs India 2nd Test

Adelaide Oval's pitch curator, Damian Hough, has revealed plans to prepare a wicket with an even grass covering for the highly anticipated second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, December 4, Hough confirmed that the pitch will feature a grass height of 6mm, meticulously curated to provide a balanced contest. The decision, he explained, is aimed at creating conditions that would particularly benefit seam bowlers. He highlighted that the grass cover would not only enhance lateral movement for pacers but also allow batters to benefit from consistent bounce if they settle in. The curator added that maintaining such a surface aligns with Adelaide Oval’s reputation for hosting competitive day-night Tests.

How is the Adelaide pitch looking ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2nd Test?

The upcoming Australia vs India 2nd Test match holds immense significance as India and Australia gear up for a pink-ball contest, where conditions under lights can amplify the challenges for batters. Hough expressed his confidence in the preparation, stating that the wicket would retain its true character throughout the match and reward disciplined performances from both sides. Adelaide Oval has been renowned for its dramatic day-night encounters, and the pitch's characteristics have often played a pivotal role. With this announcement, anticipation has heightened for what promises to be another enthralling chapter in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting December 6.

When asked whether the Adelaide Oval conditions would heavily favor fast bowlers in the upcoming Australia vs India Test, pitch curator Damian Hough emphasized his team's goal of preparing a balanced wicket. He explained that the pitch is designed to allow contributions from all facets of the game—batters, pacers, and spinners—ensuring a competitive contest throughout the match.

The curator reaffirmed that the wicket would maintain a consistent surface, rewarding batters who settle in and encouraging bowlers to be disciplined. Adelaide Oval has a history of producing gripping pink-ball Tests, and this balanced approach aims to uphold that tradition. The carefully prepared wicket is expected to challenge players across skill sets, adding to the drama of the AUS vs IND Border Gavaskar Trophy clash.

On the other hand, the worrying news is that thundershowers are forecast for the opening day of the IND vs AUS Adelaide Test, with an 88% chance of rain on December 6. Pitch curator Damian Hough noted that such conditions could influence the game significantly, particularly favoring swing and seam bowling. However, he clarified that any additional movement the bowlers extract won't stem from the pitch itself but rather from the atmospheric conditions at the venue. Hough emphasized that while the pitch is prepared to provide a balanced contest for batters, pacers, and spinners, external factors like weather could alter the dynamics. Overcast skies and moisture often enhance the pink ball’s natural tendency to swing, making it a challenging prospect for batters.

"History suggests that it is hard to bat under lights in Adelaide. The pitch will have 6mm of grass. We are trying to produce a pitch that would be a good contest. 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," Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough told the press on Wednesday, 4 December.

"The ball hooping around has got nothing to do with the pitch. Under the right conditions, the ball will move," he added. 

While considering the pitch report and conditions in Adelaide, it will also be really interesting the bowling attacks for both the teams. The Indian team is expected to retain the same bowling attacking that performed amazingly well in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 1st Test match. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana alongside Nitish Reddy will be the fast bowlers while right-arm offspinner Washington Sundar will be the lone spinner ahead of the senior duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. 

On the other hand, Australian cricket team have been forced to make a big change in their pace bowling attack as their premier pace bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out for the Adelaide Test match due to an injury. Lanky speedster Scott Boland will most likely straightaway walk into the Australia playing XI for the 2nd Test match against India starting from Friday. The trio of Mitchell Starc, skipper Pat Cummins and off-spinner Nathan Lyon will retain their respective positions.