As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series draws near, India’s preparations are intensifying, with captain Rohit Sharma acknowledging that facing Australia will be “a different ball game.” This highly anticipated five-Test series is set to begin on November 22 in Perth, marking the first time that the BGT has expanded to five matches, reflecting the growing importance and competitiveness of this rivalry, now almost comparable to the Ashes in cricket’s cultural impact.
Rohit’s statement speaks to the unique challenges Australia poses, especially on home turf. The teams have a long and storied rivalry, and for the upcoming series, the Australians will be seeking to reclaim the trophy they last held in early 2017. India, however, has won four consecutive series against Australia, including two monumental victories in Australia, in 2019 and 2021, and remains optimistic about securing a third consecutive win on Australian soil. This confidence is bolstered by India’s strong World Test Championship (WTC) standing, where they currently lead with 74.24 Percentage Points (PCT) in the 2023-2025 cycle, while Australia trails with 62.50 PCT.
India’s road to success in the BGT, however, is not without its hurdles. Rohit himself may miss the first Test in Perth due to personal reasons, leaving Shubman Gill or Jasprit Bumrah as potential interim captains. With Bumrah having captained India in England in 2022 and Gill recently leading India in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, both bring unique leadership qualities. The BCCI has planned an internal practice game between Team India and an ‘India A’ squad, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, scheduled from November 15-17. This match will provide critical match practice at the Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) Stadium, where the opening Test will be held. This strategy aims to replicate Australia’s playing conditions and help players adjust to local pitches, particularly the fast and bouncy WACA surface.
The upcoming series also holds several individual battles that could determine the overall outcome. Fans and analysts are particularly excited about the renewed rivalry between Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steve Smith. Kohli, who remains one of the world’s top batsmen, has enjoyed several intense contests with Smith, and both players’ performances are expected to have a major impact on the series. Kohli’s enduring Test form and experience, combined with Smith’s resilience and ability to deliver under pressure, set the stage for a compelling face-off.
Adding to the list of key players, young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who debuted in Tests in 2023, will be a crucial figure in India’s batting lineup. With an average of 68.53 and two double centuries within his first nine Tests, Jaiswal has quickly emerged as a dependable opening batsman. Australia’s Nathan Lyon has acknowledged Jaiswal’s threat, noting that his aggressive style and technical prowess make him a formidable opponent. Australia’s bowling attack, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, will be eager to test Jaiswal’s capabilities on their home pitches, particularly under challenging conditions.
On the Australian side, a significant question surrounds their opening lineup. With David Warner’s retirement, Usman Khawaja has suggested Travis Head as a potential opener, with the aim of maximizing stability in the top order. Khawaja believes that Head’s aggressive batting style could counterbalance Steve Smith’s more measured approach. Furthermore, with Head and Smith in place, the Australian team could improve their chances of building solid starts and accumulating substantial first-innings totals.
Australia’s bowling attack remains one of their strongest assets, and Mitchell Starc, in particular, is set to play a crucial role. Known for his lethal pace and swing, Starc will be looking to capitalize on the bouncy pitches in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, where conditions are likely to favor fast bowlers. Starc has also voiced his commitment to Test cricket, underscoring the series’ importance. Despite nearing 35, Starc’s focus on fitness and consistency highlights his determination to lead Australia’s attack and reclaim the BGT.
This series is also an opportunity for players like Cameron Green, Australia’s emerging all-rounder, to step up. Green has shown exceptional talent with both bat and ball, and his adaptability could make him a crucial asset in Australia’s middle order. Green’s recent form has shown promise, and with experience playing in Indian conditions, he brings valuable insight into handling the spin-friendly pitches India might counter with on their Australian tour.
Looking ahead, the BGT is not just about reclaiming the trophy but also about shaping the two teams’ future paths in Test cricket. With Australia eyeing redemption after several recent losses to India and a decade-long gap since they last held the BGT, this series is an opportunity for them to prove their mettle on home soil. For India, it is a chance to solidify their dominance in Test cricket by clinching a historic third consecutive series win in Australia.
Both teams are also aware of the WTC implications. With India leading the WTC standings, a strong performance could cement their position and pave the way for another WTC final appearance. Conversely, a win for Australia could alter the standings significantly, allowing them to close in on India and potentially secure a WTC final berth.
As Rohit Sharma wisely observed, facing Australia in their home conditions is indeed “a different ball game.” With robust preparations, intense internal competition, and a deep-seated rivalry at play, the 2024-25 BGT is set to deliver high drama, unforgettable battles, and potentially historic outcomes. The cricketing world eagerly awaits this showdown, which promises to elevate the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to new heights in the annals of Test cricket.