India’s preparations for the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide took a solid step forward as they played their only pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval. The match, curtailed to 46 overs per side due to rain, ended in India’s, but both teams took key lessons from the encounter.
India posted a total of 257 for 5, with key contributions coming from Shubman Gill (50), Yashasvi Jaiswal (45), and Washington Sundar (42*). India’s top-order was tested under the pink-ball conditions, particularly during the twilight period, with both KL Rahul and Jaiswal facing early challenges. Rahul, in particular, showed great composure in dealing with the swinging ball, playing some elegant shots and navigating the early difficulties before retiring out.
Jaiswal, though, was visibly hampered by a recurring lower back issue, prompting regular attention from the physio. Despite discomfort, he batted on for 10 more balls after requiring support from the dugout, until eventually falling to a big shot attempt. His performance will be a concern for India ahead of the Adelaide Test, but his ability to overcome early challenges will be a positive takeaway.
Gill, in his 62-ball knock, was fluent, looking comfortable on the back foot with his trademark pull shots but also showing some vulnerability when driving away from his body. His 50-run innings gave India the much-needed momentum, though his early edge for a boundary off Charlie Anderson reflected the risks involved in facing the pink ball.
The Prime Minister’s XI, who had earlier posted a competitive total of 240, were led by an inspiring knock from 19-year-old Sam Konstas. The young batsman, a potential future prospect for Australia, scored a brilliant 107 off just 97 balls. Konstas displayed an impressive range of shots, including a reverse ramp off Akash Deep and a six off Harshit Rana, as he took the fight to the Indian bowlers. His innings included some risky slogs, but the power and timing in his stroke play made a strong case for his continued development.
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Konstas wasn’t the only bright performer for the Prime Minister’s XI; veteran Harry Jacobs (61) also contributed a solid knock, but wickets from India’s Harshit Rana (4-44) helped reduce the opposition’s total. Rana’s double-wicket over was one of the highlights of India’s bowling performance, showcasing his ability to strike at key moments.
The match also saw Rohit Sharma return to action after paternity leave. The experienced opener, who slotted in at No. 4 for this match, started cautiously but fell for 3 after an attempted drive at a ball outside off stump. It was a small setback in his journey to regain his touch, though India’s top order showed promising signs of adapting to the pink ball’s movement.
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For India, this warm-up game was more than just about runs and wickets—it was about adjusting to the unfamiliar challenges posed by the pink ball. The twilight period, traditionally difficult for batsmen, proved to be a tough test for both sides. Rahul, who has been in good form, handled the conditions with aplomb, while others like Jaiswal and Gill demonstrated resilience in the face of the swinging ball.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who wasn’t with the team for this match, will have the chance to review the performance and plan for the Adelaide Test. With Kohli, Bumrah, and Ashwin not playing in this warm-up, the Indian camp is likely to adjust their lineup as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter in Adelaide.
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On the other side, the Prime Minister’s XI can take plenty of positives from the game, particularly from Konstas’ explosive century, which could signal a bright future in Australian cricket.
As India heads to Adelaide, their focus will now shift to adapting further to the pink ball, the pressure of playing under lights, and ensuring that their team combination is in place for the upcoming Test series against Australia.
