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India's Journey in Pink-Ball Test Cricket

 

India's Journey in Pink-Ball Test Cricket: A Tale of Dominance and Drama

India's foray into pink-ball Test cricket began in November 2019, marking a significant milestone in the country's rich cricketing history. With the introduction of day-night Tests, the game took on a new dimension, blending tradition with innovation. India embraced the challenge, delivering both spectacular wins and enduring a historic low. Here's a closer look at India's journey through their four pink-ball Test matches.

The Beginning: A Historic Night at Eden Gardens

Match: India vs. Bangladesh
Date: November 22-24, 2019
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Result: India won by an innings and 46 runs

India's debut in day-night Test cricket was nothing short of magical. Playing against Bangladesh, India showcased their dominance with a clinical performance.

  • Highlights:
    • Virat Kohli etched his name in history by scoring 136, becoming the first Indian to score a pink-ball Test century.
    • Ishant Sharma led the bowling attack, claiming 9 wickets in the match, including a fiery 5/22 in the first innings.

The match was a resounding success, not just on the field but off it, as packed crowds embraced the novelty of Test cricket under lights.

The Adelaide Nightmare: Lessons in Resilience

Match: Australia vs. India
Date: December 17-19, 2020
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Result: Australia won by 8 wickets

India's second pink-ball Test turned into a nightmare as they suffered a dramatic collapse in the second innings, being bowled out for just 36 — their lowest-ever Test total.

  • Highlights:
    • The match began on a promising note with India scoring 244 in the first innings, thanks to solid contributions from Virat Kohli and others.
    • However, Australia's bowling duo of Josh Hazlewood (5/8) and Pat Cummins (4/21) wreaked havoc, decimating India's batting lineup.

This humbling loss became a turning point in Indian cricket, sparking one of the greatest comebacks in Test history during the remainder of the series.

The Two-Day Thriller in Ahmedabad

Match: India vs. England
Date: February 24-25, 2021
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Result: India won by 10 wickets

The third pink-ball Test saw India bounce back in style, obliterating England in a match that lasted just two days.

  • Highlights:
    • Axar Patel emerged as the hero, taking 11 wickets (6/38 and 5/32), while Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with 7 scalps.
    • India's spinners exploited the conditions expertly, leaving England's batsmen clueless.

Though the match attracted criticism for the pitch conditions, it underscored India's mastery over spin-friendly tracks.

The Bengaluru Dominance

Match: India vs. Sri Lanka
Date: March 12-14, 2022
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Result: India won by 238 runs

India's fourth pink-ball Test was a testament to their all-round strength. Battling challenging conditions, they registered a commanding victory over Sri Lanka.

  • Highlights:
    • Shreyas Iyer delivered with the bat, scoring 92 and 67 in tough batting conditions.
    • Jasprit Bumrah recorded his first five-wicket haul at home, finishing with 5/24 in the first innings.

This match reinforced India's ability to adapt and excel in the day-night format, even on tricky pitches.

India's Overall Pink-Ball Test Record

  • Matches Played: 4
  • Wins: 3
  • Losses: 1
  • Winning Percentage: 75%

Key Takeaways from India's Pink-Ball Journey

  1. Strength at Home: India's three wins have all come on home soil, showcasing their dominance under familiar conditions.
  2. Learning from Defeat: The Adelaide collapse served as a wake-up call, highlighting areas for improvement in overseas conditions.
  3. Spin and Seam Mastery: From Ishant Sharma's heroics to Axar Patel's spin wizardry, India has utilized its diverse bowling arsenal effectively.

As India prepares for more pink-ball Tests in the future, their journey so far has been a blend of historical highs and valuable lessons. The pink ball has added a new layer of excitement to Test cricket, and for Indian fans, it has been a thrilling ride. With a strong team and adaptability, India is poised to continue its dominance in this evolving format.

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