What is India's record in pink-ball Tests?
India are all set to clash with Australia in a day-night Test match in Adelaide from December 6. The pink ball will be used for the second fixture of the five-match series which currently sees the visitors leading 1-0 after a 295-run victory in Perth.
Since 2015, a total of 22 pink-ball Tests have been played in an attempt to increase TV viewership and fan attendance in the stands to safeguard the future of the longest format.
The use of pink ball has many advantages. Firstly, it retains its shine for a longer duration than the red ball allowing the bowlers to pose challenges to the batters, thus keeping the fans' interests alive. Secondly, the pink ball is easy to spot under floodlights for players and offers a different experience to the viewers.
Australia have been the most successful team with 11 wins in 12 day-night Tests. It will be interesting to see if they can pose a strong challenge to the Indian team in Adelaide. On that note, let's take a look at India's record in pink-ball Tests.
India head to Adelaide with credible record in pink-ball Tests
Since playing their first pink-ball Test in 2019, India have secured victories in three out of four such Test matches. Interestingly, their lone loss came to Australia in 2020 at the same venue, Adelaide, which is hosting the second Test match. Let's check out what transpired in those four Tests:
1) November 2019: India vs Bangladesh, Kolkata
Eden Gardens was the witness to India's first day-night Test against Bangladesh. The visitors' decision to bat first misfired as Ishant Sharma's fifer triggered a batting collapse and they got all-out for 106. Then, captain Virat Kohli (136) led from the front to help the hosts declare on 347/9 and take a 241-run first-innings lead.
Reeling under pressure, Bangladesh were reduced to 13/4. Although, Mushfiqur Rahim (74) played a fine lone hand, the Tigers got all-out for 195 and they lost by an innings and 46 runs. Ishant took a total of nine wickets in the fixture.
2) December 2020: India vs Australia, Adelaide
India won the toss and chose to bat first in their first pink-ball Test Down Under. Kohli (74) was the top batter for the side as they compiled a 244-run total. Ravichandran Ashwin claimed four wickets to help India eke out a 53-run lead in the first innings.
However, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were sensational as Australia bundled out India for their lowest-ever total of 36 in the red-ball format. The hosts went on to win the game by eight wickets.
3) February 2021: India vs England, Ahmedabad
During England's 2021 tour to India, the two teams played a day-night Test in Ahmedabad. Axar Patel looked unplayable in the first innings with superb figures of 6/38 as England were bowled out for 112.
Interestingly, part-timer Joe Root also got assistance from the surface and claimed a fifer. But, Rohit Sharma's 66-run knock paved the way for India to post 145.
Trailing by 33, England were again rocked by Patel (5/32) and could only accumulate 81 in the second innings. India chased down a 49-run total easily with 10 wickets to spare.
4) March 2022: India vs Sri Lanka, Bengaluru
India's latest pink-ball Test saw them clashing against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Riding on Shreyas Iyer's impactful knock of 92, the Indian team posted a modest total of 252.
Thereafter, Jasprit Bumrah weaved his magic by securing a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka scored 109 and gave away a 143-run first innings lead to India.
The collective batting effort of the Rohit Sharma-led side saw them declare on 303/9. Although Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne (107) played an impressive knock the side got all-out for 208 and lost by 238 runs.