The second Test match of the India Tour of Australia 2024 is all set to unfold at the historic Adelaide Oval, South Australia, on December 6 at 9:30 AM IST. India leads the five-match Test series 1-0, following an emphatic 295-run victory in the first Test at Perth. As the cricketing giants face off in this pink-ball Test, excitement is at an all-time high, with fans eagerly anticipating another thrilling encounter.
Match Recap: 1st Test Highlights
In the series opener at Perth, India showcased their dominance:
- First Innings: India managed only 150 runs, with Nitish Kumar Reddy top-scoring (41 runs).
- Australia’s Collapse: Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling (5 wickets) restricted Australia to just 104 runs.
- Second Innings Blitz: India declared at 487/7, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100).
- Australia’s Resistance: Despite Travis Head’s 87, Australia fell short at 238 all out, with Bumrah and Siraj taking three wickets each.
India’s commanding win has put them in the driver’s seat, but Australia will be desperate to bounce back on home soil.
Pitch Report: Adelaide Oval
The Adelaide Oval pitch is known for its balanced nature, offering equal opportunities for batters and bowlers. However, the pink ball under lights often tilts the scales in favor of the pacers.
- 1st Innings Average Score: 287.
- Conditions: Overcast weather and possible rain interruptions could impact the match, making early breakthroughs crucial.
- Chasing Teams: Historically, chasing has been tough, with only 25% win rate, highlighting the importance of batting first.
Key Players to Watch
India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: The left-handed opener’s recent 161-run knock has cemented his position as India’s batting mainstay.
- Jasprit Bumrah: With 8 wickets in the first Test, Bumrah’s lethal accuracy and pace make him a nightmare for Australian batsmen.
- Virat Kohli: The Indian skipper proved his mettle with a sublime century in Perth and will look to build on his form.
- Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar: Jadeja’s all-round ability or Sundar’s versatility can provide balance to the team.
Australia
- Travis Head: His fighting 87 in the second innings at Perth was a reminder of his quality in the middle order.
- Mitchell Starc: Starc’s proficiency with the pink ball makes him a potent threat under the lights at Adelaide.
- Pat Cummins: The Australian skipper will lead the bowling attack, aiming for early breakthroughs.
- Marnus Labuschagne: Known for his consistency, Labuschagne needs to anchor Australia’s innings against a strong Indian attack.
Dream11 Fantasy Team Predictions
Dream11 Team 1:
- Keepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Travis Head, Yashasvi Jaiswal (C)
- All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh, Washington Sundar
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Mitchell Starc
Dream11 Team 2:
- Keepers: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant
- Batters: Virat Kohli (VC), Travis Head (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal
- All-rounders: Nitish Reddy, Mitchell Marsh
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood
Captaincy Picks:
- Top Picks for Captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Travis Head
- Vice-Captain Suggestions: Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli
Punt Picks:
- Josh Hazlewood: Capable of dismantling the Indian batting lineup with his disciplined bowling.
- Alex Carey: Reliable middle-order batter who can make a significant impact.
Predicted Playing XI
India:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Nitish Reddy
- Washington Sundar/Ravindra Jadeja
- Mohammed Siraj
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
Australia:
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
Match Prediction
- India’s Edge: With their superior form, India is well-positioned to extend their lead in the series. Bumrah and Jaiswal are expected to shine.
- Australia’s Comeback: Australia will bank on their bowlers and players like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to deliver under pressure.
- Weather Impact: Rain interruptions might make this a closer contest.
Predicted Outcome: India to win, leveraging their momentum from the first Test.
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