Australia’s secret weapon: “6mm Grass Plan” unveiled ahead of India clash in Adelaide Test!

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): As the highly anticipated day-night Adelaide Test between India and Australia approaches, Damian Hough, the head curator, has set the stage for a thrilling showdown. The pitch at Adelaide Oval will feature a 6mm grass cover, offering just the right balance between bat and ball. The match, set to begin on December 6, comes with extra drama—India enters the Test with both physical and mental superiority after their dominant performance in the first Test, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s deadly bowling and commanding captaincy. However, India will have to shake off the ghost of the infamous 2020 pink-ball debacle, where they were skittled out for a mere 36 runs, handing Australia an easy victory. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Hough revealed that the pitch would offer a challenge to both batters and bowlers. "The grass will be around six millimeters. We’re currently at seven, but it will settle at six," he said, adding that the moisture and hard, dry surface would allow quick bowlers to get something out of it, while spinners could expect bounce and spin. While the Adelaide pitch is traditionally favorable to both pace and spin, the challenge under lights with the new ball could make batting tricky, especially with both teams boasting strong bowling units.

Hough admitted that while the pitch will provide plenty of action in the early stages, it would ease out as the ball gets older, giving batters a chance to build partnerships later in the game. Discussing the unpredictable nature of drop-in pitches, Hough emphasized the need for a pitch that changes over the course of the Test. "You always want the pitch to change. That’s what makes Test cricket exciting," he said, hinting that the Adelaide surface could evolve from a challenge to a batsman-friendly pitch over the course of the five days. India, currently 1-0 up in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after their massive 295-run win in Perth, will be looking to extend their dominance in the second Test. Meanwhile, Australia will aim to recover from their previous loss and take full advantage of home conditions. The match, which will be held in a day-night format, promises to be an epic contest with both teams bringing their best to the field. Will India continue their ruthless march, or will Australia fight back to level the series? The stage is set, and the grass-covered pitch will be the battleground.