Border-Gavaskar Series: The first day of a Test match often sets the tone for the rest of the game. For Team India, the Adelaide Test against Australia turned into a nightmare as they were bowled out on Day 1 under challenging pink-ball conditions, ultimately succumbing to a 10-wicket defeat. The match exposed India’s lack of preparation and adaptability with the pink ball, particularly under floodlights, offering valuable lessons for the future.
India’s struggles with the pink ball were glaring throughout the match. Unlike the red ball, the pink ball’s black seam and unique trajectory require precise tracking until the last moment—a skill Indian batsmen struggled to master. Conversely, the Australian players, with more experience in pink-ball Tests, exploited its nuances effectively.
Australian pacers, led by Mitchell Starc, used the conditions to their advantage. Starc consistently bowled fuller lengths outside the off stump, drawing Indian batsmen into false strokes and resulting in multiple dismissals behind the wicket. Dismissing the challenges of the pink ball, Starc remarked, “The pink ball is just like the white and red ball. We bowled and batted with a very positive mindset.”
India’s bowling unit also faltered under the demands of pink-ball cricket. Key bowlers such as Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah failed to replicate their effective full-length deliveries seen in earlier matches like the Perth Test. Their inability to adjust to the conditions contributed to Australia’s commanding position.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, stating, “The Australian bowlers bowled brilliantly from the first day and prevented us from scoring runs. This ball becomes harder to handle in the night session, and the team is still learning to play with it.”
India’s batting woes deepened as the lineup faltered yet again. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor form was a significant concern, with his 2024-25 batting average plummeting to 11.83—his weakest as a captain among the top six batsmen. In his last 12 innings, Rohit has failed to cross the 10-run mark in eight attempts, a worrying trend for the team’s leadership.
Adding to the struggles, Virat Kohli also failed to make an impact. Repeatedly dismissed on the inside edge or caught behind, Kohli’s inability to stabilize the innings left the team exposed. Meanwhile, Australia’s Travis Head played a decisive knock, scoring a stunning 140 off 141 balls. Head’s counterattacking approach demonstrated Australia’s adaptability and willingness to seize opportunities in difficult conditions.
In the post-match presentation, Rohit Sharma conceded the team’s shortcomings, saying, “We did not play well. The Australian team played much better than us. We missed many opportunities to come back in the match. Now, our full focus will be on the next match.”
India’s journey with the pink ball remains a work in progress. The team must address critical issues in both batting and bowling to perform better in similar conditions moving forward. Learning to adapt to the pink ball’s unique challenges, particularly under lights, will be essential for future success. As they prepare for the next Test, India must draw on the harsh lessons from Adelaide to deliver a stronger performance and regain their footing in the series.
