The second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at the Adelaide Oval witnessed an unusual interruption involving the stadium’s floodlights. As India suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the pink-ball Test, one of the key talking points from Day 1 was the unexpected failure of the floodlight towers during Australia’s innings.
Confusion on the Field
During the 18th over of Australia’s first innings, the floodlights went out twice, causing confusion among players, officials, and fans. The incident resulted in brief delays and visibly frustrated Indian pacer Harshit Rana, who was bowling at the time. When the lights went out for the second time, spectators added to the spectacle by turning on their mobile phone flashlights, creating an unusual scene at the stadium.
The disruption extended the final session by three minutes, leaving everyone puzzled about the cause. Reports later revealed that the mishap stemmed from a mix-up involving the practice net lights requested by the Australian team.
Nathan Lyon’s Admission
Speaking on Seven’s broadcast, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon revealed how the confusion unfolded. He explained that he and assistant coach Daniel Vettori (nicknamed “Boro”) were preparing for a practice session when the incident occurred. Lyon admitted that he had asked a security guard to turn on the lights at the practice nets, but things went awry when the wrong switch was activated, turning off the stadium floodlights instead.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Lyon recounted. “I was sitting with Boro, and the security guard came up and asked if we needed the lights on. I said, ‘That’d be great; I need all the help I can get.’ Next thing we know, the ground lights went off. I told Boro, ‘I think he hit the wrong switch.’”
The delay left Lyon and Vettori waiting in the dark for 15 minutes, unable to continue their practice. Despite the mix-up, Lyon humorously took responsibility for the incident. “I’ll take the blame for this one—someone not knowing how to turn the lights on properly,” he quipped.
The Series Continues
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams now face off in the third Test at The Gabba. The floodlight incident may have added a touch of drama to the Adelaide Test, but it also highlighted the lighter side of cricket amidst intense competition.
