Rain threatens pink-ball Test Day 1

Adelaide, Dec 4: Rain and thunderstorms are forecast to disrupt the opening day of the second Test at Adelaide Oval, where curator Damian Hough is striving to deliver a pitch that offers an even contest between bat and ball.
The sell-out crowd of 53,500 expected on Friday may face interruptions, with up to 7mm of rain predicted. Australia, still reeling from a heavy 295-run defeat against India in Perth, will be aiming to level the series as they return to a venue steeped in memories of India’s infamous 36 all-out collapse during their last pink-ball Test in Australia in 2020.
Hough, renowned for transforming Adelaide Oval from a batter’s paradise to a surface offering balanced gameplay, is closely monitoring the weather. “Friday looks like it could bring thunderstorms,” he said. “We’re not sure about the timing, but we are expecting to pull the covers on. Hopefully, things clear by Saturday morning, and the rest of the Test can proceed smoothly.”
The pitch will feature 6mm of grass—consistent with the conditions used in a recent Sheffield Shield game between South Australia and Western Australia. Despite being affected by rain, the Shield match showcased the challenge posed by the new ball under lights, creating opportunities for bowlers.
“Whether it’s a red ball or a pink one, we try to maintain similar preparations for Shield and Test matches,” Hough explained. “The Shield match demonstrated that once batters were set, they could navigate night-time cricket without much trouble, but the new ball posed significant challenges.”
Reflecting on the iconic 2020 Test, Hough dismissed suggestions that the pitch played a role in India’s dramatic collapse. “That was outstanding bowling from Australia,” he said. “The pitch didn’t contribute to the outcome—it was all about skill. Our focus remains on striking a balance to ensure an engaging contest between bat and ball.”
With unpredictable weather looming, the Adelaide Oval’s surface promises to be a critical factor as the teams face off in the second Test of the series. (Agencies)