India vs Australia 2nd Test: Adelaide Oval Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]Adelaide Oval, Adelaide [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

On Friday, India and Australia will lock horns with each other in the second Test of the ongoing five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The much-awaited encounter will be played at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia. 

Led by Jasprit Bumrah, India had a dream start to the series, swatting aside the hosts by 295 runs in the first Test. Despite getting bowled out for a paltry score on day 1, India exhibited commendable prowess with bat and ball, outclassing Australia across departments. 

So, they would be keen to add one more victory to their tally. On the other hand, the Aussies must be desperate to get themselves back on the winning track. Although they were comprehensively outplayed in Perth, Australia must take inspirations from their previous pink ball face-off against the Indians, whom they bundled out for 36 back in 2020-21. 

As both teams gear up for a fascinating battle, let's see how the surface at Adelaide Oval will behave throughout the contest. 

Adelaide Oval Ground Stats And Records In Tests

Criterion
Data
Matches Played85
Matches won batting 1st41
Matches won batting 2nd24
Average 1st innings score379
Average 2nd innings score346
Average 3rd innings score268
Average 4th innings score208


Adelaide Oval Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The surface at Adelaide Oval generally offers lesser pace and bounce than the pitches in Perth and Brisbane. Expect it to offer a hint of lateral movement to the fast bowlers, especially when the ball is new and has a pronounced seam. 

However, the batters can score runs after getting set in the middle. On the other hand, the fast bowlers must keep it slightly fuller and around the off stump to succeed. The ball will nip around under the lights as well; so, we will witness a riveting contest between the bat and ball in the final session. 

The behaviour of the pink ball, which skids slightly more than the red cherry, will also keep the skiddy bowlers interested throughout the match. This is precisely why India might consider replacing Harshit Rana with Akash Deep, although the former has been absolutely clinical on this tour. 

The pitch generally deteriorates and brings the spinners into play in the final two days. Considering the track's nature, the toss-winner will likely opt to bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Adelaide Oval

Virat Kohli

Mitchell Starc

  • Ace Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has been prolific at the Adelaide Oval, scalping 47 wickets in nine Tests at a superb average of 17.77. Considering he can bowl lethal spells with both new and old ball, we expect Starc to emerge as a threat to the Indian lineup. 

Jasprit Bumrah

  • India's vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah oozed his class with the ball, registering a clinical five-wicket haul in the Perth Test. Given that he is experienced and India's most lethal bowling weapon, Bumrah will once again trouble the Aussies with his accuracy and seam movement.