Unseasonal thunderstorms are predicted for the opening day of the India vs Australia day-night Test in Adelaide, starting Friday. This will be India’s first pink-ball Test in Australia since their dramatic collapse for 36 runs at the same venue in 2020. However, Adelaide pitch curator Damian Hough reassured that the pitch back then was not to blame for the result.
“We’re expecting to use the covers on Friday due to potential storms, though the weather should clear by Saturday morning, allowing the match to proceed smoothly,” Hough said.
He emphasized that weather conditions, not the pitch, determine the movement of the pink ball. “The ball swings because of the right weather conditions, not the pitch. The movement is unrelated to how the surface plays,” he explained.
Reflecting on the 2020 game, Hough attributed the outcome to exceptional Australian bowling rather than any flaws in the pitch. “No one expected that Test to finish in three days. It was great bowling, not the pitch, that led to India’s collapse,” he added.
Hough also highlighted the challenges batsmen face during twilight in pink-ball Tests. “History shows batting under lights, especially during the twilight session, is difficult. A new ball or a couple of new batters can change the game dramatically during that phase,” he noted.
Although advancements in pink-ball design have made it easier to pick the seam, Hough admitted his focus remains solely on preparing the pitch. “I concentrate on my job—ensuring the pitch allows players to perform at their best,” he concluded.
