Mitchell Starc Among 3 Key Threats to India in Adelaide Pink-Ball Test
India won the first Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But, it now faces a tougher challenge at Adelaide Oval. Australia has dominated pink-ball Tests there. India wants to erase the pain of being bowled out for 36 in their last day-night Test at this venue. Australia, meanwhile, seeks to bounce back after losing the series opener.
The pink ball swings and moves more than the red ball. It plays to Australia’s strengths. Their pacers, in particular, have thrived in day-night Tests. Their experience under lights could make them hard to handle. Here are the three biggest threats for India in this crucial clash.
1.Mitchell Starc: The King of Pink-Ball Tests
Mitchell Starc is the most dangerous bowler in pink-ball cricket. He has a fearsome reputation. With 66 wickets in just 12 day-night Tests at a stunning average of 18.71, Starc’s numbers speak for themselves. He has three five-wicket hauls in this format. He can swing the ball at high speeds to destroy opposing line-ups.
Starc’s lethal yorkers and the pink ball’s skid under lights make him a constant menace. Recently, he showed his sharp form by taking six wickets in an innings in a Sheffield Shield match. This underlined his readiness for this clash.
Mitchell Starc in Pink-Ball Tests
Matches: 12
Wickets: 66
Average: 18.71
Strike Rate : 36.5
2.Pat Cummins: Australia’s Reliable Leader
Australian captain Pat Cummins is a major threat. He has great accuracy and can move the ball off the pitch. With 34 wickets in seven pink-ball Tests at 18.35, Cummins has proven to be a top performer under lights.
He has a history of big performances in day-night Tests. This includes a 10-wicket match haul and a five-wicket innings haul. Cummins’ tight lines and lengths could pressure India’s aggressive batters. They are eager to score quickly.
Pat Cummins in Pink-Ball Tests
Matches: 7
Wickets: 34
Average: 18.35
Strike Rate : 40.5
3.Travis Head: A Power-Hitting Threat
Australia’s pacers are their biggest weapons. But, Travis Head’s batting poses a big challenge for India. Head has a strong record in pink-ball Tests. He has scored 543 runs in 12 innings, at an average of 49.36 and a strike rate of nearly 70.
In the first Test at Perth, Head stood out in the second innings. He counter-attacked as other Australian batters struggled. With two hundreds and three fifties in ODIs, Head is a game-changing player. His ability to accelerate the scoring and shift momentum makes him one to watch.
Travis Head in Pink-Ball Tests
Innings: 12
Runs: 543
Average: 49.36
Hundreds: 2
Fifties: 3
India Faces a Stern Test Under Lights
Australia has a strong record in day-night Tests. The pink ball poses unique challenges. So, the Adelaide Oval match is a tough test for India. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Travis Head must lead Australia to level the series.
Key Match Stats to Watch:
Starc’s Pink-Ball Wickets: 66
Cummins’ Average in Day-Night Tests: 18.35
Head’s Strike Rate in Pink-Ball Tests: 69.70
