As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming Pink Ball Test, part of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 match between Australia and India at the renowned Adelaide Oval on Friday (December 6), the stakes could not be higher. This encounter holds more than just the allure of another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two nations; it represents an opportunity for India to exorcise some painful ghosts and assert their dominance in day-night Test cricket.

Adelaide Oval, with its rich history and unique day-night conditions, has been a stage for many thrilling contests over the years. But for India, this venue has also been a challenging ground where victories have been few and far between, and losses have often come with a sense of missed opportunities and near-misses.

Adelaide Oval – A fortress for Australia

Over the years, Adelaide Oval has been a fortress for Australia, with the hosts enjoying a formidable record on home soil. When it comes to playing against India, the numbers paint a clear picture: Australia have consistently been the dominant side at this iconic venue. India, though, has managed to pull off a couple of historic wins that continue to be cherished by fans, while a series of defeats have made Adelaide a site for tough lessons and difficult memories.

The addition of the Pink Ball Test format has added a new layer of intrigue and complexity, emphasizing the skill required to excel under lights. India’s lone experience in this format at Adelaide in 2020 ended in a shocking defeat that still haunts the team and fans alike. Meanwhile, out of the seven day-night Tests played at this iconic venue since the format’s introduction, Australia have won all seven matches, showcasing their dominance and adaptability under lights.

India’s resilience and recent form

Despite a somewhat shaky past at Adelaide, India are entering this game with newfound confidence. Their recent 295-run victory in Perth, which demonstrated their tactical strength and depth, has bolstered their morale and showcased their potential to challenge Australia at their own game.

Captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the team’s commitment to playing aggressive and resilient cricket could prove pivotal in this encounter. With a formidable lineup of batsmen and a varied bowling attack, India are in a position to rewrite history and take the fight to the hosts. The Pink Ball Test promises to be an enthralling contest where the skill, strategy, and adaptability of both teams will be tested under the floodlights, setting the stage for what could be a classic cricketing battle.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s how India have flared in pink-ball Tests

Australia vs India rest results at Adelaide Oval: A historical perspective

To truly appreciate the significance of this match, let’s take a comprehensive look at the 13 Test matches that have taken place between India and Australia at Adelaide Oval over the years. The results reveal a narrative of fierce competition, occasional triumphs for India, and periods of domination by the hosts:

1. 1948 – India lost by an innings and 16 runs

• Date: 23 January 1948
• Summary: India’s first encounter at Adelaide Oval ended in a heavy defeat, with Australia winning by an innings and 16 runs. The match marked the beginning of a challenging chapter for India at this ground.

2. 1967 – India lost by 146 runs

• Date: 23 December 1967
• Summary: India faced another significant loss, this time by 146 runs. The Australian team, led by their formidable bowling attack, proved too much for the visitors.

3. 1978 – India lost by 47 runs

• Date: 28 January 1978
• Summary: In a closely contested battle, Australia emerged victorious by 47 runs. India showed promise but fell short in the final moments.

4. 1981 – India draw

• Date: 23 January 1981
• Summary: This match ended in a draw, providing a brief respite for India. The contest highlighted India’s ability to hold their own against the Australian side on occasion.

5. 1985 – India draw

• Date: 13 December 1985
• Summary: Another drawn match demonstrated India’s resilience, though they were unable to claim victory.

6. 1992 – India lost by 38 runs

• Date: 25 January 1992
• Summary: In a nail-biting encounter, India fell short by 38 runs, showcasing their fighting spirit but ultimately succumbing to Australia’s determined play.

7. 1999 – India lost by 285 runs

• Date: 10 December 1999
• Summary: One of the more significant defeats, India suffered a crushing loss by 285 runs. The Australian side, with its world-class lineup, outplayed India comprehensively.

8. 2003 – India won by 4 wickets

• Date: 12 December 2003
• Summary: A landmark victory for India, as they managed to win by 4 wickets in a tightly contested match. This victory marked India’s first success at Adelaide Oval and was a testament to their skill and determination.

9. 2008 – India draw

• Date: 24 January 2008
• Summary: This match ended in a draw, highlighting India’s ability to compete but not quite overcome the Australian challenge at Adelaide.

10. 2012 – India lost by 298 runs

• Date: 24 January 2012
• Summary: India faced one of their heaviest defeats at Adelaide Oval, losing by 298 runs. The result emphasized the challenges India faced when playing against a strong Australian lineup in their backyard.

11. 2014 – India lost by 48 runs

• Date: 9 December 2014
• Summary: Another narrow defeat by 48 runs showcased India’s struggle to chase down targets in the fourth innings against the Australians.

12. 2018 – India won by 31 runs

• Date: 6 December 2018
• Summary: A memorable win for India, led by a spirited performance that secured a 31-run victory. This victory was significant as it marked a resurgence in India’s fortunes at Adelaide Oval and boosted their confidence for future encounters.

13. 2020 – India lost by 8 wickets (Pink Ball Test)

• Date: 17 December 2020
• Summary: The infamous 2020 Pink Ball Test saw India bowled out for just 36 in the second innings, resulting in a shocking defeat by 8 wickets. This loss remains a low point in India’s history at Adelaide Oval and a stark reminder of the challenges posed by day-night cricket.

Also READ: Dhruv Jurel OUT, Rohit Sharma IN! 3 changes India can make in their playing XI for the Pink Ball Test against Australia

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