In the world of cricket, the introduction of the pink ball and day-night Test matches has created an exciting new chapter, making the game more dynamic and accessible for fans. India’s journey in pink ball Tests has had its ups and downs, with significant moments etched in history. As the Indian team prepares for their second Test against Australia in Adelaide, it’s worth reflecting on their record in this format, particularly their last encounter with Australia in a day-night Test.
The Rise of Day-Night Test Matches
Since the first-ever day-night Test match in 2015, the format has gained considerable traction. Australia and New Zealand were the pioneers, playing the inaugural pink ball Test at the Adelaide Oval. The goal of this format was simple: to inject more excitement into the longest format of the game and attract larger audiences, particularly those who couldn’t attend traditional daytime Tests.
Fast forward to today, 44 day-night Tests have been played, and Australia stands as the most successful team with 11 wins from 12 matches. The format has clearly favored the hosts, but India’s record, though limited, is evolving with each pink ball Test they play.
India’s Record in Pink Ball Tests
India’s first encounter with the pink ball came in 2019 against Bangladesh, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The historic occasion was overseen by Sourav Ganguly, then President of the BCCI. India emerged victorious in this maiden day-night Test, setting a promising tone for their future in this format.
Since that game, India has participated in four pink ball Tests, with a mix of results:
- India vs Bangladesh (2019): India won, with a dominant performance.
- India vs Australia (2020): India suffered a historic defeat in Adelaide, being bowled out for their lowest-ever score of 36.
- India vs England (2021): India bounced back strongly to secure a win at home.
- India vs Sri Lanka (2021): Another commanding win for India on home soil.
The highest score India posted in a pink ball Test was 347/9 declared against Bangladesh, while their lowest point came in Adelaide when they were dismissed for just 36 in the second innings.
Unforgettable Collapse in Adelaide: India’s 36 All Out
One of the most unforgettable moments in India’s pink ball Test history occurred during their only day-night Test against Australia in 2020. Played at the Adelaide Oval, this match was historic for all the wrong reasons for the Indian team. After electing to bat first, India posted a modest 244 in their first innings, with contributions from Virat Kohli (74), Ajinkya Rahane (42), and Cheteshwar Pujara (43). However, the highlight of this innings was Australia’s spirited comeback, dismissing India for 191 in their first innings despite a resilient 73 from Tim Paine*.
The real devastation came in India’s second innings. With a target of 298 runs, India’s batting lineup crumbled spectacularly. Josh Hazlewood (5/8) and Pat Cummins (4/21) tore through India’s batting, reducing them to just 36 all out, their lowest-ever score in Test cricket. Australia won the match by eight wickets, and the humiliation in Adelaide became a defining moment in Indian cricket history.
Key Players in India’s Pink Ball Test Journey
Despite the setback in Adelaide, some players have shown resilience in India’s journey in pink ball Tests. Virat Kohli is India’s highest run-scorer in day-night Tests, with 277 runs across four matches. Kohli’s consistency in this format has been one of the few positives for India.
On the bowling front, Ravichandran Ashwin has been India’s standout performer, with 18 wickets in pink ball Tests. Ashwin’s adaptability to the new format and his ability to extract turn from the pink ball have made him a key player for India in these matches.
India vs Australia: The Upcoming Test in Adelaide
As India gears up for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024, all eyes are on the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide. India enters the match with confidence after their massive 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth. Australia, however, remains a formidable opponent in pink ball Tests, and the Adelaide Oval has traditionally been a tough venue for visiting teams.
India will need to overcome their previous struggles in Adelaide and take lessons from their last defeat. The return of key players, a solid batting approach, and the leadership of Rohit Sharma will be pivotal in their quest for victory. The team’s ability to adapt to the challenging pink ball conditions will be tested once again, and India’s recent performance in the first Test has given them a psychological edge going into this crucial day-night encounter.
Conclusion: The Future of India in Pink Ball Tests
India’s journey in pink ball Tests has been a rollercoaster ride, but there’s no denying the potential of this format for the team. With young talents and experienced campaigners like Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane, India has the tools to succeed in future day-night Tests. Their record in these matches may be a mix of highs and lows, but with each match, they are learning and evolving.
As India faces Australia again in Adelaide, the outcome of this Test could shape the future of India’s day-night Test legacy. Fans will be hoping for a strong comeback from the team, while Australia will look to continue their dominance in the format.
India’s pink ball saga is far from over, and with each passing match, they inch closer to mastering this exciting format of Test cricket.
