His second test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 will unfold at the famed Adelaide Oval, where India and Australia will face off in a Pink-Ball Test on Friday (December 6). After India’s resounding 295-run victory in Perth, the series has reached new heights of intensity, particularly with World Trials Championship (WTC) score is at stake.
Australia vs India: Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25
India will be keen to make a strong comeback after their challenging experience in the 2020 Pink-Ball Test, where they were bowled out for a record low 36 – marking their lowest score in cricket history. Despite this setback, India secured a memorable 2-1 series win and will look to put those difficult memories behind them as they prepare for this tough match.
Meanwhile, Australia will enter the match with an impressive record in day-night Tests. The hosts remained unbeaten in pink ball matches, securing 11 wins in 12 games played under the lights. Their formidable pace attack, featuring Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, was particularly effective in these conditions. This strong track record has further boosted their confidence as they enter the race.
The 5 key battles to watch out for in the Adelaide Pink Ball Test
1. Travis Head vs Jasprit Bumrah
Travis Head has often found himself in intense duels against jasprit bumrahand their 2018 meeting in Adelaide was no different. Head faced 99 balls, scoring 28 runs, while surviving Bumrah’s blistering pace and late swing. Their battle in 2024 saw Head test his mettle again against Bumrah’s variations, with Head making 17 runs from 33 balls before being dismissed. Despite showing flashes of attacking intent, Head’s all-rounder against Bumrah highlighted the bowler’s control and ability to dictate terms with relentless precision and pace.
2. Virat Kohli vs Pat Cummins
Virat Kohlihis meetings with Pat Cummins was a major feature of the India-Australia Tests, highlighting the battle between one of the best batsmen of his era and a top fast bowler. In 2017, Cummins dismissed Kohli for a rare duck, showing his ability to bowl with precision and fire. Their clash in 2018 was tougher for Kohli, who scored 56 off 177 balls but fell three times to Cummins’ sharp pace and lines. Despite Kohli’s occasional success, Cummins’ relentless pressure and seam movement made him a difficult proposition, as reflected in Kohli’s modest average of 23.0 in their innings.
READ ALSO: AUS vs IND 2nd Test: Adelaide Oval Report, Adelaide Test Stats & Records
3. Steve Smith vs Ravindra Jadeja
Steven Smithhis meetings with Ravindra Jadeja it was an exciting test of Smith’s technical ability against quality spin. In 2013, Smith struggled against Jadeja but managed 29 runs off 119 balls. However, their defining duel came in 2017 when Smith faced 355 balls, scoring 122 runs and withstanding Jadeja’s spin through strategic fielding and disciplined defence. Jadeja’s sustained pressure in 2023 reduced Smith to 89 off 201 balls, dismissing him four times in a row. Despite Smith’s determination, Jadeja’s tight lines and varied spin remained a challenge for the Australian batsman.
4. Marnus Labuschagne vs Mohammed Siraj
The battle between Marnus Labuschagne and Mohammed Siraj it features contrasting styles – Labuschagne’s compositional technique versus Siraj’s relentless aggression. In 2020, Labuschagne managed just 11 runs from 24 balls, showing a keen awareness of Siraj’s pace. Their clash in 2021 was a different story as Labuschagne found form, scoring 75 runs off 148 balls with impressive defensive play. However, in 2024, Siraj’s disciplined pace and bounce took Labuschagne out for just 3 runs off 19 balls, proving Siraj’s continued development as a bowler capable of unsettling even the best in the game.
5. Rishabh Pant vs Nathan Lyon
Rishabh Pantshis confrontations with Nathan Lyon have been characterized by his fearless approach and Lyon’s cunning spin. In 2018, Pant, with his natural attacking flair, scored 71 runs off 103 balls, countering Lyon’s spin with powerful shots. The 2019 series saw Pant score 51 off 81 balls not out in Lyon. Their most dramatic battle came in 2021, where Pant smashed 95 runs in just 147 balls, displaying bold play and a deep understanding of Lyon’s variations. Despite a low score in 2024, Lyon’s masterful spin once again proved a stumbling block, highlighting the ongoing battle between Pant’s aggressive batting and Lyon’s deceptive spin.
