Levi Masola |
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 in Australia is one of the most anticipated tournaments in the cricket calendar. Both teams have a lot to prove, India have won the last two series Down Under and Australia will be keen to get the trophy back on home soil.
The five-match Test series starting in November is expected to be a fierce contest between the two top cricketing nations.
India’s recent dominance
India have been outstanding in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two series in Australia. The victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21 were historic, marking the first time an Asian team has won a Test series in Australia. These victories have made the Border-Gavaskar Trophy India’s since 2015 and they will be looking to extend their dominance.
However, India’s success in Australia was not without its challenges. Their batting line-up faced considerable difficulties in the previous series, most notably when they were bowled out for 36 runs in the second innings of the Adelaide Test, the lowest Test score in India’s history. Despite this, India showed their winning spirit by winning the series 2-1.
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India will need to have a consistently good batting line-up if they are to retain the trophy. The experienced top-order, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be crucial. Former India coach Ravi Shastri has stressed the importance of the batsmen stepping up. “If India can bat well, there is a good chance that they will win the series three times in a row in Australia,” Shastri said. The series will test India’s ability to deal with Australia’s powerful pace attack, especially in difficult conditions Down Under.
Australia’s quest for revenge
Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia will be looking for revenge after losing the last two series at home. Australia’s legendary fast bowling line-up led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc is one of the best in the world. Add in top spinner Nathan Lyon and Australia’s attack will be a formidable force.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has predicted Australia will win the series 3-1. Ponting believes Australia have a point to prove after their recent defeat and expects them to come out with a bang. “Australia will be looking for 20 wickets per game to win the series,” Ponting said, emphasizing the importance of the bowlers in this series.
Steve Smith Conundrum
One of the main talking points in Australia is the role of Steve Smith. With David Warner out of the Test arena, Smith has been moved into the opening position, with Cameron Green coming in at No. 4.
Ponting said he was unsure whether the position was best suited for Smith, adding that while Smith could thrive as an opener, it was yet to be seen whether he would feel comfortable in the role.
Smith will be a confidence booster for Australia after scoring his 31st Test century in the recent ICC World Test Championship final, but finding the right balance in the batting line-up is crucial for Australia to succeed.
India’s Bowling Strength
India’s bowling attack will also be a key factor in the series. Jaspreet Bhumara And with Mohammed Shami fit, Mohammed Siraj and the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, India have a well-rounded attack. Ponting also mentioned Khaleel Ahmed as a possible bowler for India, citing his impressive performances in the IPL. Khaleel’s left-arm pace could be a difference-maker for India, especially in the Australian conditions.
Final Thoughts
The rivalry between Australia and India has become one of the fiercest in cricket. While the Ashes series between Australia and England is iconic, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has also become equally important.
Ponting reflected on the growing competition and said India are consistently challenging at home and away. “The rivalry between India and Australia is probably ahead of the competition against South Africa,” Ponting said, emphasizing the importance of the series.
