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Undefeated for 17 years! Adelaide Oval is the fortress of 'Hope' for India in 2nd ODI

Soumyajit Dutta

India players after 1st ODI loss (Source: AFP Photos)India players after 1st ODI loss (Source: AFP Photos)

Following a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat in the pace-dominated conditions of Perth, the Indian cricket team now looks ahead to the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval. While the Optus Stadium proved to be a challenging obstacle, history offers India a beacon of hope as they move east. 

Adelaide has traditionally been a happier hunting ground for the visitors, presenting a contrasting set of conditions that have often neutralised Australia's home advantage and allowed India's strengths to flourish.

India’s formidable Adelaide record

Historically, India's record at the Adelaide Oval stands in stark contrast to their overall performances in Australia. Statistically, it has been one of their most successful venues outside the subcontinent. Of the 15 ODIs played there, India has secured 9 wins with one tied game.

Most notably, India is currently riding an impressive unbeaten streak at the ground, having not lost an ODI game in Adelaide for 17 years, with their last defeat being against Australia in February 2008.

India's recent performances at Adelaide

India's recent outings in Adelaide have been marked by memorable triumphs that have helped the team remain unbeaten at the venue.

  • 2019 vs Australia: In the 2nd ODI at Adelaide, back in 2019, India cruised to a comfortable 6-wicket victory against Australia with Virat Kohli's 104-run knock.
  • 2015 World Cup: In the 4th match against Pakistan back in 2015, Virat Kohli's 107 led to a massive victory over Pakistan by 76 runs.
  • 2012 vs Australia: Gautam Gambhir's 92 helped India chase Australia's 270 with ease back in 2012 during the 4th match of the series.
  • 2008 vs Sri Lanka: India dominated Sri Lanka in the 2008 Commonwealth Bank Series by 2 wickets as they chased SL's 239 comfortably.

Reasons behind India’s success in Adelaide

Batting-friendly deck

The primary reason for India's success lies in the pitch itself. Unlike the pace, bounce, and seam movement of Perth, the Adelaide Oval typically offers a batting-friendly surface with even, predictable bounce and significantly less lateral movement. This allows batters to trust the wicket and play their shots with confidence.

Familiar feel

The conditions in Adelaide often bear a closer resemblance to subcontinent pitches, particularly as the game progresses. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and the pitch tends to slow down, favouring batters accustomed to building long innings rather than battling relentless pace and bounce.

Tactical advantage vs Australia

India’s approach in Adelaide will differ vastly from Perth. The pitch's nature helps neutralise the raw pace of Australia’s premier fast bowlers. Instead of a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, the contest will let spinners into play. 

If the Indian top order can settle in and build partnerships, they have the potential to control the game's momentum and put the Australian batting lineup under scoreboard pressure, a scenario that played out perfectly in their 2019 victory.

Conclusion

While the Perth defeat highlighted familiar vulnerabilities in pace-friendly conditions, the upcoming Adelaide ODI offers a compelling opportunity for an Indian comeback. The venue’s history is rich with evidence of Indian success, built on a foundation of technical batting.

Adelaide’s less hostile environment provides a platform for India to play to their strengths, making them a credible threat to bounce back and level the series.