With the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy beginning with a day and night test at the Adelaide Cricket Ground, several former cricketers feel that the pink ball test could set the tone for the series. The likes of Anil Kumble and Michael Vaughan feel that if India is caught taking a nap in the first Test, it may be difficult for them to return. And rightly so, given Australia’s formidable record in day-night testing.
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For the record, India has played only one pink ball event so far, against Bangladesh in November last year at the Eden Gardens, while Australia is undefeated in the day / night trial matches having won all seven events. While the challenge in question promises to be tough for India, former player Pragyan Ojha feels that there is one player who could emerge as the “game changer” with the pink ball at the Adelaide Test.
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“India will miss Ravindra Jadeja’s services due to concussion. Fortunately, India has someone like R. Ashwin who has done well. In practice games, he scooped up those grounds, threw tight lines, “Ojha told Sports Today.
“There is one more person who can change the rules of the game for India with the pink ball is Kuldeep Yadav because in the domestic pink ball tournaments he was successful. Hitters had a hard time picking him. Especially during the twilight period, hitters struggled to read it. It was then that he collected the maximum amount of land. “
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Kuldeep is not very fit heading into the test series. He played just a handful of matches for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL before playing the third ODI against Australia earlier this month where he scored 1/57. However, the last time Kuldeep went to Australia to play Tests, he managed a five-wicket course at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Also, with the lights lowering towards the end of the day, Ojha acknowledges that Australia may have a hard time reading the wrist spinner.
“If Kuldeep Yadav plays, it will be difficult for the Australians. If you watch this year, there hasn’t been much cricket for obvious reasons. The pandemic brought normal life to a complete halt. Kuldeep was unable to play consistently in the IPL. His match practice has not been very good. It is important that the group of experts take care of Kuldeep, ”he said.
“Kuldeep Yadav may be India’s X-factor. It is a Chinese bowler with many variations. In Australia, historically, wrist spinners have performed better than finger spinners. “
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