Ashes 2017-18: Spin to play big role in the Adelaide Test

The first Test of the Ashes 2017-18 lived up to the hype and expectation with both sides calling their shots in the game. Eventually, the hosts prevailed with a thumping win at the Gabba, Brisbane. Now, the action moves to the Adelaide Oval for the second Test. The match commences on December 2 and will be the first ever day-night Ashes Test.

The track at the Gabba was surprisingly spin friendly. This was evident from the fact that Nathan Lyon and Moeen Ali reaped rich dividends for their respective sides in the contest. Now, when Adelaide is hosting the second game, the expectation is something similar. Adelaide has always had the reputation of having the most spin friendly conditions in Australia.

The head curator of the venue, as per the quotes in Cricbuzz, recently mentioned that the track at the venue could be tricky. They have managed to get the conditions right before the game gets underway and are expecting a good show.

“If we get a few hours of covers off tomorrow, we will be fine. It can be tricky but we had a (Sheffield) Shield game finish on Sunday and knew the weather was potentially turning on us. So we started preparation (on the Test pitch) on the day before the Shield game just to get some good compaction into it when the pitch was really wet,” quoted Damian Hough, the Adelaide Oval head curator.

“The cards we have been dealt with, we manage it as best we can, but we’re pretty comfortable where it’s at currently. We might get a few showers at the start of the game but the majority of it, the extreme weather, will be over in the next 24 hours,” he added further.

Even contest on the cards

The first-ever day-night Test had lasted only 3 days at the venue. This time around, the curator hopes for an even contest where everyone will have some benefit to rejoice about. He noted that the preparations have been good and a spin friendly track is a likely proposition for the game.

“Feedback was pretty good for that one (last year’s day-night Test), so it’s the same sort of technique, same cutting heights and everything else. We just want a good even contest, some pace and bounce, as much as Adelaide can offer – we can’t give as much as other states have got. But for us, we still want spin to play a part … (and) once the batters are in, hopefully they can still cash in,” he concluded.