India's Challenges and Strategies for the Pink Ball Test

With just 24 hours left before India takes on Australia in the day-night Test at Adelaide, the team seems clear about its batting lineup, especially the openers. 

KL Rahul hinted at knowing his position in the order,"I've been told [my position]," KL Rahul said on Wednesday. "But I've also been told not to share it. We'll have to wait for day one or maybe when the captain Rohit Sharma comes here tomorrow." 

Rohit, who has been a consistent opener for India over the last five years, appears to have finalised his plan. Interestingly, during a practice game in Canberra where Virat Kohli was absent, Rohit batted at No. 4, while Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the innings. The team, now in Adelaide, has spent extensive time in the nets adjusting to the unique dynamics of pink-ball cricket. Players like Rahul and Mohammed Siraj described the challenges of adapting to the pink ball, noting its quirks in both visibility and handling.

The squad's limited experience with day-night Tests adds to the intrigue. Of the current players, only eight have played such games before, and merely three—Kohli, Bumrah, and Ashwin—have done so in Australia. The pink ball, coated with extra lacquer to endure wear, behaves differently, offering more bounce and seam movement. Rahul observed that it feels harder and travels faster off the pitch compared to the red ball, making it trickier for both batters and fielders. Despite these challenges, Rahul expressed excitement about facing the pink ball for the first time, ready to tackle its unpredictable nature head-on.

Australia, undefeated in day-night Tests at Adelaide, has its own tried-and-tested formula: bat big early, then unleash their bowlers under the twilight sky. The transition periods around sunset and the subsequent minutes under floodlights are notoriously difficult for batters. Damian Hough, the Adelaide curator, explained that the pitch would feature a 6mm grass cover, similar to the infamous "36 all out" Test. The surface is expected to provide assistance to pacers with bounce and seam while offering spinners some turn and elevation.

Hough also highlighted the importance of building partnerships, particularly in navigating the tricky twilight phases. Reflecting on past games, he noted how a well-set batter can withstand the pink ball's challenges under lights, but fresh batters often struggle against a new ball during those hours.

Rain may play a role on the first day, but the weather forecast predicts clear skies for the rest of the match, setting the stage for an exciting contest. With both teams boasting world-class bowlers, the strategies and adaptability of the players will likely decide the outcome. As Rahul put it, mastering the basics—like reading the ball out of the bowler’s hand—could make all the difference.