IND vs AUS: Four Reasons why Australia have the Cutting Edge over Team India in Adelaide Test

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The first Test between India and Australia came to a close at Optus Stadium in Perth recently, with the visitors coming out on top much to the hosts’ annoyance.

The tourists absolutely changed the entire complexion of the game. Despite a down spirited performance in the first innings, the Indian cricket team went on to win the game by a colossal margin of 295 runs under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah.

The second Test between the top-tier teams is expected to begin on December 6, Friday at Adelaide Oval. The Adelaide Test is poised to be a high-stakes encounter, especially after India's magnificent win in Perth as the series shifts to the upcoming venue.

Australia are expected to enter the game as their favorites because of their impeccable record under the lights. Let's take a look at the key factors that stack the odds in Australia's favour.

1. Australia’s incredible record in pink-ball Tests at Adelaide

Australia have a sensational pink-ball record at Adelaide Oval. At this particular venue, they have played seven-day night Tests since 2015 and the Aussies have emerged as the victorious side on all occasions. Notably among these victories, their emphatic victory came against India in the 2022 Adelaide Test, where they bowled out the visitors for their lowest Test total of 36 runs and won the game by 8 wickets.

2. Australia’s psychological advantage over India

Team India might have won three out of four Pink-ball Test matches, but their only defeat came against Australia at this particular venue in 2022. It was a dramatic outing for the Indians in Adelaide where they were bundled out for just 36 runs, which is their lowest-ever total in the history of Test cricket. For sure, this disastrous collapse will surely play on their minds and The hosts have a psychological advantage going forward in the game.

3. Expect the hosts to rally at Adelaide after the Perth debacle

Australia suffered one of their heaviest defeats at home during the first Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy series at Optus Stadium in Perth. They lost to India by 295 runs, which is not just a setback but a wake-up call for the hosts. After surrendering at the hands of India at their den in a humiliating way. They will look to come back stronger in order to level the series.

4. Team India’s batting vulnerabilities against the Pink Ball

Team India have the batting vulnerabilities against the pink ball. Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is expected to face one of the toughest challenges in the second Test match. The Indian skipper has not played the pink-ball Test match in Adelaide last time in 2022. Moreover, he was not up to the mark in the 2-day warm-up game against Prime Ministers XI. He scored three runs before he nicked straight to the wicketkeeper.

On the other hand, Virat Kohli is the only reliable performer for India in day-night Tests and is the leading run-scorer for the team in this format as well with 277 runs. India needs support from other batters to brave the challenges. On the other hand, Mitchell Starc can be really dangerous with the pink ball.

He is the highest wicket-taker in the pink-ball test as he has taken 61 wickets to his name. He enjoys bowling in these conditions courtesy of his lethal in-swingers and yorkers. Apart from him, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are the two other bowlers to watch out for in the clash.