What is Australia's record in pink-ball Tests?
Australia are set to host India in the second Test of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Adelaide from December 6. It will be a pink-ball affair, adding to the excitement and anticipation.
After suffering a 295-run defeat in the first Test at Perth, the hosts will be eager to bounce back and level the five-match series in Adelaide. The hosts would like to believe they will go in with the advantage of playing the pink-ball game in home conditions.
Australia suffered a key blow as they will miss Josh Hazlewood, who is ruled out due to an injury. However, the hosts have solid backup options in their squad and would not be worried as such.
So far in the history of the game, a total of 22 pink-ball Tests have been played. All 22 games have produced results. However, out of these 22 games, only five have lasted till the final day. The use of the pink ball brings in an added element of excitement and while it comes with its advantages, players will also have to be on their toes at the same time, as facing the pink ball is pretty challenging as well.
As Australia prepare to host India in the second BGT 2024-25 Test in Adelaide, let us take a look at their record and how they have fared so far in pink-ball Tests.
Australia are the most successful team in pink-ball Tests
Australia have played the most pink-ball Tests among all nations so far. They have played 12 such games and are the most successful team, with 11 out of 12 wins and a 91.67 win percentage.
They played their first pink-ball Test against New Zealand in 2015 and won the match by three wickets. Their next such game came against South Africa in 2016, which they also won by seven wickets. In the same year, they played another pink-ball Test against Pakistan in Brisbane and beat them by 39 runs.
In 2017, Australia played a solitary pink-ball Test against England and won by 120 runs. They played three pink-ball games in 2019 and won all three - against Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs, against Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs, against New Zealand by 296 runs.
In 2021, they beat England again by 275 runs, and a year later in 2022, they defeated them again by 146 runs. In 2022, Australia beat West Indies by 419 runs in a pink-ball Test.
Interestingly, their only defeat in a pink-ball Test came against West Indies in 2024, where they lost by a close margin of eight runs.
Record against India and in pink-ball Tests at Adelaide
The hosts will head into the second BGT 2024-25 Test drawing confidence from the last time they played India in a pink-ball Test. The game was played in Adelaide in 2022, where the visitors were bowled out for 36 runs in an innings and went on to lose the Test by eight wickets.
This is the only instance where the two teams have played a pink-ball Test and the hosts hold the advantage. Moreover, they have a stellar record in pink-ball Tests in Adelaide.
Australia have played seven pink-ball Tests in Adelaide. They are unbeaten in these Tests and have won all of them, boasting a solid record. India has played four pink-ball Tests and won three. Their only loss also came in Adelaide against Australia.
While India will be confident after their win in Perth, the hosts' pink-ball record sets the Adelaide Test to be a thrilling affair.