Adelaide: India chose to bat first after winning the toss in the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval here on Friday.
The day-night match, played with a pink ball, promises a gripping contest, with the pitch offering 6mm of grass to favour seam movement, especially over the first two days.
India’s captain Rohit Sharma, making his comeback alongside Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin, expressed confidence in his team’s preparations.
Rohit, set to bat in the middle order for the first time since 2018, highlighted the team's positive mindset. "The mood is good, pretty vibrant. The fast bowlers are happy with the break, and we want to carry on from where we left off in Perth," he said.
The visitors will look to Virat Kohli to continue his stellar record at Adelaide, a venue where he has delivered several memorable performances. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both in fine form from the first Test, will play a key role in navigating the early movement of the pink ball.
Jasprit Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy will also be crucial in exploiting the seamer-friendly conditions during Australia’s innings.
Australia, despite their flawless pink-ball record at Adelaide with seven wins, face the challenge of bouncing back after a 295-run defeat in Perth. Captain Pat Cummins remains optimistic about the conditions, noting the pink ball’s distinct behaviour.
"It’s always good to have a fresh start. The pink ball can be a little different, and it’s pretty muggy today," Cummins said. Mitchell Starc, who has taken 66 wickets at an impressive average of 18.71 in pink-ball Tests, will aim to unsettle India’s top order with his lethal opening spell.
Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood in Australia’s XI, while their batting unit, led by Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, seeks to address its inconsistencies. India, meanwhile, has strengthened its lineup with proven performers, reinforcing their dominance after the opening Test.