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As the cricketing world turns its attention to the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the spotlight is firmly on the Pink ball. Set to commence on December 6 at the iconic Adelaide Oval, this day-night Test promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially with India leading the series 1-0 after a stunning victory in Perth. Amidst this backdrop, Australia players have shared their candid opinions on the much-discussed pink ball, revealing a spectrum of views that reflect both excitement and skepticism.
A divided opinion: underrated or overrated?
In a recent clip released by ABC Sport, several Australian cricketers expressed their thoughts on the pink ball’s role in Test cricket. Travis Head, Pat Cummins, and Usman Khawaja were among those who deemed it “underrated,” citing its unique challenges and potential for exciting play.
In contrast, star batter Steve Smith offered a starkly different perspective, labeling the pink ball as “overrated” and expressing his frustration with its visibility under lights. “Hate it,” he stated bluntly, emphasizing that he finds it “too hard to see” during matches. This divergence in opinion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness and appeal of Pink-Ball cricket.
Also READ: Difference between pink and red balls: Australia and India gear up for the Day-Night Test in Adelaide Test
Australian players have their say on Pink Ball Tests. 😄pic.twitter.com/4vTueUoTsd
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 4, 2024
Australia’s stronghold in Pink-Ball Tests
Since their introduction in 2015, day-night Tests have been designed to enhance spectator engagement and challenge players in new ways. Australia have thrived in this format, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins out of 12 pink-ball matches played to date. The Adelaide Oval holds particular significance as it was the venue for the inaugural pink-ball Test between Australia and New Zealand. Notably, Australia have won all seven of their pink-ball matches at this ground, showcasing their dominance and familiarity with conditions that favour seam bowling under lights.
India’s mixed bag under lights
Conversely, India have had a mixed experience with day-night Tests, securing three victories out of four matches. Their only defeat came at Adelaide Oval during the 2020-21 series when they suffered a historic collapse, bowled out for just 36 runs—their lowest Test score ever. Despite this setback, India demonstrated resilience by winning the series 2-1. As they prepare for this crucial match, they face the challenge of overcoming past demons while aiming for their first away victory in a Pink-Ball Test.
The stakes are sky rocketing high in the Adelaide oval encounter
With Australia eager to bounce back from their heavy defeat in Perth and India looking to maintain momentum, the upcoming Test is set to be fiercely competitive. The pressure is palpable as Australia seeks to leverage its home advantage at Adelaide Oval. Meanwhile, India’s captain Rohit Sharma has expressed confidence in his team’s mental strength and adaptability to the pink ball’s challenges.
The stage is set for an intense battle under lights as both teams aim to assert their dominance in this high-stakes encounter. With contrasting views on the Pink ball and its impact on gameplay, players’ sentiments reflect broader themes within cricket about tradition versus innovation—an ongoing narrative that continues to evolve as the sport adapts to modern audiences.
