Cricket

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after Australian cricket legend Allan Border and Indian batting icon Sunil Gavaskar, is set to ignite a fierce rivalry between the two cricketing giants. With less than a week to go before the series opener in Perth, anticipation is reaching fever pitch.India, having triumphed in their last two Test tours of Australia, will be aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive series victory Down Under. This five-Test series marks the first time since 1991-92 that the two nations will face off in a five-match Test series.Ahead of the series, Gavaskar shared a humorous anecdote about his long-standing rivalry with Border. When asked if their intensity had diminished despite their post-retirement friendship, Gavaskar quipped, "Well, because he's got me out, that's the problem. He's got me out. I never got a chance to bowl to him. If I got a chance to bowl to him and get him out, it might have been different."Gavaskar's playful response stems from Border's three career Test wickets against India, one of which was Gavaskar himself. The former Indian captain revealed that Border still teases him about the dismissal, which occurred in 1979."So you know, I am reminded of it every time I bump into him. He comes and says, 'Hello Bunny, how are you?' What do I say to that?" Gavaskar said.As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets underway, all eyes will be on Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli, who is currently facing a significant form slump. However, Kohli's impressive record in Australia, with 3,426 runs at an average of 56.16, including 11 centuries and 19 fifties, suggests that he could be a key player for India.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top cricketing nations. The rivalry between India and Australia has always been intense, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is sure to add another chapter to this storied history.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, named after Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar and Australian icon Allan Border, has become a defining rivalry in Test cricket. Since its inception in 1996, the series has witnessed epic battles and shaped the careers of countless cricketers.One of the most memorable moments in the series was the 2001 Kolkata Test, where VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid rescued India from the brink of defeat with a record-breaking partnership. Virat Kohli has also etched his name in the annals of the rivalry with his heroic performances on Australian soil.India has emerged victorious in the last two Test series in Australia, and they are now eyeing a historic third consecutive win Down Under. The rivalry between Gavaskar and Border has added an extra layer of intrigue to the series. Despite their close friendship, Gavaskar humorously recalls how Border's dismissal of him still haunts him.Border, who became the second batsman after Gavaskar to reach 10,000 Test runs, has always been a thorn in India's side. In 20 Test matches against India, he claimed four wickets, including Gavaskar's.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has not only produced thrilling cricket but has also fostered a deep respect between the two cricketing nations. It remains one of the most anticipated and fiercely contested series in the world, promising more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

Former Australian captain Allan Border has sparked controversy by calling for the iconic Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane to be demolished and replaced with a new multi-purpose stadium for the 2032 Olympics. Border believes that a new 60,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park would better serve the needs of multiple sports, including rugby, cricket, Australian rules football, and the Olympics.The Gabba has been a fortress for Australia, but India's historic Test series win in 2021 raised questions about its future. The Queensland government recently abandoned a $2.7 billion plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba for the Olympics, instead investing in upgrades to other sporting facilities.Border argues that a new stadium would not only provide a world-class venue for major events but also generate revenue through the sale of property on the Gabba's current site. He believes that the uncertainty surrounding the Gabba's future has led to Brisbane being excluded from Australia's Test match schedule for the next seven years.Former wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy shares Border's concerns, expressing Cricket Australia's anxiety about the future of cricket in Brisbane. Healy points out that other states are investing in new stadiums, while Brisbane has been left behind.The Queensland government's decision to reject a proposal for a new oval stadium at Victoria Park has further complicated the situation. With state elections approaching in October, the future of the Gabba remains uncertain.Border's proposal has sparked debate, with some supporting his call for a new stadium and others arguing for the preservation of the Gabba's heritage. The Queensland government will ultimately decide the fate of the iconic venue, which has played a significant role in Australian cricket history.