As India and Australia gear up for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the hype around the pink ball is getting high. The second Test in Adelaide is set to be a Day-Night affair for which pink balls are used.(Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
India Vs Australia 2nd Test: Steve Smith, Travis Head Feel Facing Pink Ball Will Be Challenging
India are currently leading the five-match Test series 1-0 after a 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth
Australian middle order batters Steve Smith and Travis Head admitted that facing the pink ball is challenging, especially if the pitch is difficult to bat.
Smith believes for suceeding against the pink ball, concentration is key.
“It can be challenging at different times of the day or night, depending on where you bat and the situation of the game," Smith said talking to Star Sports. "So you have to be really switched on. The Pink Ball can be a little bit unpredictable at times. So you have to be really focused.”
Head felt the difficult wicket in Adelaide will help him.
“It can be a tough wicket to bat on. Obviously, the drop-in wicket, you've got to score in different ways," Head said.
"I think it suits me. Obviously, I bat there a lot. So it's been nice to get some runs in the last couple of years there and try to do the same again this year. So it's always a nice week for me," the left-hander said.
"It's relaxed. I'm in my own bed. I've got a lot of friends and family. I've got a lot of mates that come to watch, and it's good fuel for the week. So I'll be looking forward to that. I think day-night Test matches as well this summer—they do it extremely well. Great atmosphere. The ball is always doing something. The wickets are obviously doing a fair bit. So it makes for an exciting week.”
Australian captain Pat Cummins said that despite the colour of the ball changing, the nature of the game remains the same.
“I think all the basics stay the same really. Sometimes the game can go at different paces as the ball gets older and softer. But outside of that, it's a test for you.”
India are currently leading the five-match Test series 1-0 after a 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth.
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