Why India has upper hand despite 36-run horror in Pink Ball Adelaide Test?

The India Cricket Team will return to Adelaide for the first time in Tests after their 36-run horror back in 2020. Moreso, this would also be the first time that Team India will play a Pink Ball, aka Day and Night Test match away from home. India has a good record in Pink Ball Tests in whatever limited games they have played, but the only loss came against Australia 4 years ago.

India won the Border Gavaskar Trophy last time in Australia after breaching the fortress Gabba in the Test match of the series, winning the series 2-1. And now, India heads into the Adelaide Test with a 1-0 advantage after the Perth Test.

Advantage India in Adelaide

Despite being a couple of key members short, India came up strongly against the hosts in Perth. But now, the team is greatly reinforced with the return of captain Rohit Sharma. While Shubman Gill’s availability remains doubtful, Mohammed Shami is unavailable as he continues to play domestic cricket in India to regain 100% international match fitness.

This time Team India has a good squad, blended perfectly with youth and experienced members. Virat Kohli who was poor in red-ball cricket throughout the year, roared back in form with a magnificent century in Perth. King Kohli announcing himself back in form will be a great boost for the squad.

Furthermore, the addition of Rohit Sharma too is a huge boost. Like Kohli, Rohit Sharma too is one big innings away from finding his rich vein of form. Another key factor for India’s success is the poor form of Australia. The hosts were poor in Perth and with Mitchell Marsh getting an injury, it is a further big blow to the opposition.

Ace batters like Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, and Co have performed poorly in the IND vs AUS 1st Test. And with the tide running high in India’s favor, the visitors hold a strong advantage over their formidable rivals.