The much-awaited Test series between India and Australia is all set to commence from December 17 (Thursday) with the pink-ball contest. Ahead of the encounter, former India skipper Kapil Dev has predicted the winner in what will be the first day-night Test between these two countries.
Australia, so far, have played seven day-night Tests so far and have won all of them including four in Adelaide. India, on the other hand, India have played just one pink-ball Test so far which was against Bangladesh last year. The hosts have all their eyes pinned on the prestigious trophy after losing it last time in 2018-19 while Virat Kohli & Co will look to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
As we near the all-important encounter, Kapil Dev has stated that the hosts have the edge in the pink-ball Test. The legendary all-rounder cited that the Aussies have more experience of playing under the lights and also knows the conditions better than the Indians.
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“Definitely Australia have the edge. They are playing in their backyard. If India were playing a pink ball Test in India, I would say 80 per cent our chances. But Australia have played so many (pink ball) Tests and they understand the conditions better under the floodlights,” Kapil Dev told PTI.
Indian bowlers should back their strength – Kapil Dev
Speaking further, Kapil Dev also shared his thought for the Indian bowlers, who ran a riot in 2018-19 – the last time India toured Australia. Kapil urged the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami to back their strength and not get carried away with fast and bouncy wickets. India will miss the service of Ishant Sharma, who is down with an injury and is likely to be replaced by Umesh Yadav.
“Our fast bowlers are not that used to bowling on Australian pitches. Sometimes they may get carried away when they see a little bit of bounce and start bowling short. It’s very important to understand their pace and back their strengths,” Kapil Dev said.
“We may have a very good pace bowling attack at this stage, but they (Australians) know the conditions better than our fast bowlers,” he added.
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