November 30, 2024: As the Indian cricket team gears up for the pink-ball Test in Adelaide starting December 6, fast bowlers Akash Deep and Yash Dayal have provided valuable insights into the unique challenges posed by the pink ball, drawing attention to its distinct characteristics compared to the traditional red ball.
Akash Deep, who has had some experience with the pink ball, highlighted its notable differences in terms of behavior. According to him, the pink ball tends to skid more off the surface, which makes it more challenging for batters. Additionally, he pointed out that the pink ball offers more bounce, which could potentially work in the bowlers’ favor. One of the key observations Akash made was that the pink ball remains in good condition for a longer period of time. Unlike the red ball, which tends to lose its shine and start aging after just a few overs, the pink ball stays relatively new for a longer time, allowing bowlers to exploit its attributes for a more extended period.
Yash Dayal, who has been bowling in the nets to prominent Indian batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, shared his thoughts on how the pink ball behaves under different conditions. His experience indicates that the ball doesn’t swing as much as the red ball, which could change how bowlers approach their spells. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the right seam position and targeting the correct areas on the pitch, as this could induce movement and potentially catch the batter off guard. This observation is crucial, as swing is often a weapon for fast bowlers in Test cricket, and a lack of swing with the pink ball means bowlers need to adapt their strategies.
The Indian team enters the Adelaide Test with a renewed sense of confidence after their commanding victory in the first Test in Perth. The memory of their embarrassing 36 all-out performance in their last pink-ball Test against Australia in 2020 is still fresh, but the team’s recent success, including key contributions from fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, has given them a solid foundation to build upon.
Akash and Yash’s insights not only help shed light on the challenges the pink ball presents but also offer a glimpse into the team’s preparation. With a stronger understanding of how the pink ball behaves, India will look to adjust their tactics accordingly and carry forward the momentum from their win in Perth as they take on Australia in Adelaide. The upcoming Test promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams having a lot to prove in the ongoing series.
