For the Adelaide Test in the BGT 2024-25, India made three significant changes to their playing XI. These included bolstering the batting lineup with an experienced middle-order replacement, a tactical adjustment in the bowling unit by bringing in a spinner suited for the conditions, and introducing a fresh pacer to exploit the pitch’s bounce. These changes aimed to address weaknesses from the previous match and adapt to Adelaide’s unique playing conditions.
The second BGT 2024-25 test is a day-night clash in Adelaide.
The second Test of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 began on Friday, December 6, at the Adelaide Oval, promising another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between India and Australia. This match follows a historic victory for India, as they became the first team to defeat Australia in a Test match at Perth’s Optus Stadium—a fortress where the hosts had remained unbeaten.
The Adelaide Test is a pink-ball, day-night encounter, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already intense contest. Memories of the last day-night Test between these two sides in Adelaide linger in the minds of cricket fans, particularly for India. In that infamous match, India suffered a shocking batting collapse, registering their lowest-ever Test total of just 36 runs—a moment etched in cricketing history.
With the series poised delicately, the current Test holds significant importance for both teams. For India, it’s an opportunity to carry forward the momentum from their victory in Perth and rewrite their day-night Test record in Adelaide. For Australia, it’s a chance to bounce back on home soil and level the series.
Under the floodlights and with the pink ball offering extra movement for bowlers, the stage is set for an enthralling contest. Both teams will need to adapt swiftly to the unique conditions, making every session crucial in the battle for supremacy in the prestigious BGT 2024-25.
India entered the second Test with high confidence, but the same can’t be said for the hosts, Australia. The home team faces significant challenges, particularly in their batting lineup. Key players like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are struggling with form, while Usman Khawaja has failed to make an impact recently. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh remain their only reliable batsmen, though Marsh’s bowling fitness remains a concern.
Despite a dominant 295-run victory in the first Test, India opted for a fresh approach in the second game, making three changes to their playing XI to maintain their edge.
BGT 2024-25: What are the 3 changes India made to their playing XI for Adelaide test?
Captain Rohit Sharma makes his return to the team after missing the first Test due to the birth of his child. In a notable shift, the Indian skipper will bat in the middle order, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal retaining their positions as openers for the Adelaide Test.
Shubman Gill and Ravichandran Ashwin also feature in the playing XI. Gill, who missed the Perth Test due to a thumb injury, is back in action, while Ashwin returns after being left out in the previous match for tactical reasons.
Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar have been dropped from the XI. Padikkal scored 25 runs in the first Test, Jurel managed 12, and Sundar contributed 33 runs across two innings while picking up two wickets. The team management’s decisions signal a strategic adjustment as India looks to strengthen their lineup for the crucial second Test in Adelaide.