The second Test between India and Australia in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence on December 6 at the iconic Adelaide Oval. This highly anticipated day-night Test promises to be a gripping encounter as both teams aim to assert their dominance.
Context Leading to the Match
India stunned the cricketing world with a resounding victory in the first Test at Perth, registering a record 295-run win. Despite missing key players like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Mohammed Shami, India showcased a clinical performance. Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership and the team’s all-around effort set the tone for the series, granting them a 1-0 lead.
Australia v India 2024-25 | First Test | Day Four Highlights
As the action shifts to Adelaide, India is bolstered by the return of Rohit Sharma and the likely recovery of Shubman Gill, significantly enhancing their lineup.
Match Details
- Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
- Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Time: 9:30 AM (Local Time)
- Series: Test 2 of 5 (India leads 1-0)
Team Analysis and Predictions
India’s Prospects
Under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s team has displayed a blend of resilience and firepower. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record-breaking performance in the first Test laid a formidable foundation for the series. With a return to a spin-friendly Adelaide surface, India’s spinners could play a decisive role.
The batting lineup boasts a potent mix of experience and flair. Veterans like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul bring stability and class, while Rishabh Pant adds dynamism in the middle order. With Rohit Sharma returning to the fold, India’s top order will gain additional solidity.
The fast-bowling duo of Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will likely remain crucial, especially under the pink-ball conditions, where swing and seam movement under lights often become a game-changer.
Australia’s Prospects
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, will look to bounce back after their Perth debacle. The hosts will rely on their star-studded batting lineup, including Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, to counter India’s formidable bowling attack. Both batters need to step up after underwhelming performances in the first Test.
On the bowling front, Cummins will spearhead the attack alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Early breakthroughs will be critical to halting India’s momentum. Nathan Lyon, Australia’s premier spinner, will also play a pivotal role, especially in breaking partnerships on a track that is expected to offer turn as the game progresses.
Key Players to Watch
India:
- Virat Kohli: The former captain thrives in pressure situations and has an excellent record in Adelaide.
- Jasprit Bumrah: With the pink ball, Bumrah’s accuracy and variations will be vital.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: After a stellar first Test, Jaiswal will look to build on his form.
Australia:
- Steven Smith: His ability to anchor the innings will be critical for Australia.
- Pat Cummins: Both with the ball and his tactical acumen as captain, Cummins will need to lead from the front.
- Nathan Lyon: The off-spinner’s effectiveness against India’s lower order could tilt the balance.
Pitch and Conditions
Adelaide Oval’s pink-ball Tests have historically offered an intriguing contest between bat and ball. The pitch tends to provide assistance to pacers in the early sessions, while spinners often come into play as the match progresses. Under the lights, the pink ball is expected to swing significantly, making evening sessions especially challenging for batters.
Match Prediction
While India enters the contest with confidence from their commanding first-Test victory and the return of key players, Australia is expected to mount a fierce comeback. The pink-ball conditions at Adelaide historically favor disciplined bowling, and Australia’s home advantage cannot be underestimated.
Tip: Australia to win.
- Expect a closely fought encounter where the hosts might edge out the visitors if their key players deliver under pressure.
India Squad
Batsmen:
- Abhimanyu Easwaran (Right-Handed)
- Devdutt Padikkal (Left-Handed)
- Rohit Sharma (C) (Right-Handed)
- Sarfaraz Khan (Right-Handed)
- Shubman Gill (Right-Handed)
- Virat Kohli (Right-Handed)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Left-Handed)
All-Rounders:
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (Right-Handed Batsman, Right-Arm Medium-Fast Bowler)
- Ravichandran Ashwin (Right-Handed Batsman, Right-Arm Off-Spin Bowler)
- Ravindra Jadeja (Left-Handed Batsman, Left-Arm Off-Spin Bowler)
- Washington Sundar (Left-Handed Batsman, Right-Arm Off-Spin Bowler)
Wicketkeepers:
- Dhruv Jurel (Right-Handed)
- KL Rahul (Right-Handed)
- Rishabh Pant (Left-Handed)
Bowlers:
- Akash Deep (Right-Arm Medium-Fast)
- Harshit Rana (Right-Arm Fast)
- Jasprit Bumrah (Right-Arm Fast)
- Khaleel Ahmed (Left-Arm Medium-Fast)
- Mohammed Siraj (Right-Arm Medium-Fast)
- Mukesh Kumar (Right-Arm Medium)
- Navdeep Saini (Right-Arm Fast)
- Prasidh Krishna (Right-Arm Medium-Fast)
- Yash Dayal (Left-Arm Medium-Fast)
Australia Squad
Batsmen:
- Marnus Labuschagne (Right-Handed)
- Steve Smith (Right-Handed)
- Travis Head (Left-Handed)
- Usman Khawaja (Left-Handed)
- Mitchell Marsh (Right-Handed Batsman, Right-Arm Medium Bowler)
- Nathan McSweeney (Right-Handed Batsman, Right-Arm Off-Spin Bowler)
Wicketkeepers:
- Alex Carey (Left-Handed)
- Josh Inglis (Right-Handed)
Bowlers:
- Josh Hazlewood (Right-Arm Medium-Fast)
- Mitchell Starc (Left-Arm Fast)
- Nathan Lyon (Right-Arm Off-Spin)
- Pat Cummins (C) (Right-Arm Fast)
- Scott Boland (Right-Arm Medium-Fast)
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