6mm grass, rain on Day 1: Adelaide pitch curator talks conditions for 2nd Test

Adelaide Oval’s pitch curator Damian Hough has confirmed that the wicket will have an even covering of grass – 6mm to be exact in the 2nd Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, 4 December, Hough said that the conditions will help the seamers.
Asked if the conditions will be overwhelmingly favourable for fast bowlers in Adelaide, Hough said that him and his team were trying to make a balanced wicket where batters, pacers and spinners can impact the Test match. However, the curator added that under certain parameters such as under the lights or overcast conditions, the seamers will get a lot of help from the wicket.
Thundershowers are expected on Day 1 of the Adelaide Test match, with 88 per cent chances of rain predicted on December 6. Hough said that in those days, the ball will swing and seam but it will not be because of the pitch, but due to the conditions on the venue.
“History suggests that it is hard to bat under lights in Adelaide. The pitch will have 6mm of grass. We are trying to produce a pitch that would be a good contest. The pitch did not play a part in the Test match finishing in 3 days last time India were here. I thought that it was really good bowling from Australia. As long as there is something in it for all aspects of the game, I am happy, I just want a good contest,” Adelaide Oval curator Damian Hough told the press on Wednesday, 4 December.
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“The ball hooping around has got nothing to do with the pitch. Under right conditions, right weather, the ball will move,” he further added.
The last time India played in Adelaide, they were bowled out for 36 – their lowest ever Test total in Test cricket. The team go into the Test match this time around with more confidence. India won the first Test match of the series by 295 runs – their biggest win in Australia by the margin of runs.
The team will try to replicate their success from Perth as they hunt for a spot in the final of the World Test Championship.