Cricket

India's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia has raised concerns among cricket pundits, particularly regarding the batting form of skipper Rohit Sharma and star player Virat Kohli. Former Australian captain Ian Chappell warns that the Indian batsmen could face difficulties if they attempt overly aggressive shots, as the Aussie conditions offer additional bounce that could expose their batting vulnerabilities.Chappell believes that India's batting lineup has some problems, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli both aging and facing questions about their form. He cautions that the extra bounce in Australian pitches could find them out if they overplay their shots.Mark Taylor, another former Australian captain, agrees that the responsibility for substantial scoring now falls heavily on the emerging batsmen. He points out that India has moved on from Pujara and Rahane, leaving Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as their best players, but both have been struggling lately. This has put pressure on the younger players and the lower-order to contribute more runs.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will feature a comprehensive five-Test series between India and Australia, scheduled across five Australian venues from November 22 to January 7, 2025. The series will visit Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, marking the first instance of a five-match Test contest between these cricket powerhouses since the 1991-92 season.

India's tour of Australia will commence with a training stint at the WACA, replacing the previously planned three-day intra-squad game. This decision marks a departure from India's previous tours, where they typically engaged in warm-up matches against Australian domestic sides.The Indian hierarchy has opted for training sessions and center wicket match simulations during the three days originally allocated for the intra-squad game. This move aims to provide players with limited match experience with valuable preparation in conditions similar to those they will encounter at Optus Stadium for the first Test.Australia is also expected to train at the WACA after India's stint, emphasizing the importance of center wicket practice for both teams. Steven Smith has expressed confidence in the effectiveness of this approach, stating that it will provide "good center wickets" and conditions akin to those at Optus Stadium.India's decision to forgo an intra-squad game differs from their previous tours, where they played three-day and four-day warm-up matches against Australia A and a Cricket Australia XI, respectively. The intra-squad game at the WACA was initially planned to be closed to the public, unlike India's two matches against a WA XI side before the 2022 T20 World Cup, which drew near-capacity crowds.India's squad is expected to depart for Australia shortly after the third and final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai concludes on November 5. Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, India A was originally scheduled to play India's Test squad after their four-day matches against Australia A in Mackay and the MCG. However, with the cancellation of the intra-squad game, India A's role in the tour remains uncertain.

India's highly anticipated tour of Australia is approaching, with both teams preparing for the intense five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy series. India, the current holders of the trophy, will aim to retain their dominance, while Australia will seek to reclaim it on home soil.The build-up to the series has been marked by excitement and anticipation. Indian opener Usman Khawaja, who has played in Australia, shared his unique experience of playing in Melbourne, where the large Indian expat population and traveling fans often make it feel like an Indian home game."It can be funny because you can get a lot of Indian supporters in Australia," said Khawaja. "When I played in Melbourne the last time, there were so many people there. They were supporting India...I was like 'are we in Delhi or are we at the MCG?'"The Australian pitches have undergone significant changes in recent years, becoming more challenging for batsmen. Khawaja acknowledged this shift, noting that there have been fewer centuries scored in Australia over the past two years."Australian wickets have changed a lot," said Khawaja. "It has felt like over the last few years the ball has dominated the bat considerably. The conditions have been quite bowler-friendly (lately). Whether or not they will be bowler-friendly this year, I don't know; but it has definitely thrown a different spanner in the works."India will be looking to continue their recent success in Australia, having won the last two series Down Under. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, who has been in impressive form as captain. Australia, on the other hand, will be eager to prove their mettle on home soil and regain the Border Gavaskar Trophy.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top cricketing nations. The battle between India's formidable batting lineup and Australia's potent bowling attack will be a key factor in determining the outcome.

The 2003-04 India tour of Australia was marked by intense rivalry and verbal sparring even before the first ball was bowled. The Aussies, eager for revenge after their defeat in India in 2001, vowed to unleash "chin-music" on the Indian batsmen, particularly captain Sourav Ganguly.The first Test at the Gabba, Steve Waugh's last series, was crucial for both teams. Ganguly, known for his aggressive leadership, won the toss and surprisingly asked Australia to bat first. Despite rain interruptions, Zaheer Khan's five-wicket haul restricted the hosts to 323.India's response began promisingly with a 61-run opening stand between Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag. However, the dismissal of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in quick succession left India reeling at 62/3.Enter Sourav Ganguly. With his trademark elegance and aggression, Ganguly counterattacked the Australian bowlers. He drove through the covers, cut through point, and pulled to mid-wicket, showcasing his full range of shots. His fifty came off 74 balls, and his century off 135 deliveries.Ganguly's 146-run partnership with VVS Laxman (75) for the fifth wicket was a masterclass in batting. His 144-run knock was studded with 18 boundaries, earning applause even from some of the Aussie players.The Test ended in a draw, but Ganguly's performance at the Gabba sent a strong message to the Aussies. He had led India from the front, proving that they were not going to be pushovers in the series. This also set the tone for Steve Waugh's farewell, as the former Australian captain had to dig deep into his experience and determination to save the series for his team in the final Test in Sydney.

India's upcoming tour of Australia will feature a crucial two-day pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. This fixture, scheduled for November 30 and December 1 at Manuka Oval, will serve as a vital preparation for the day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide.In recent years, the Prime Minister's XI match has been a four-day contest, but it has been shortened to two days for India's visit. This change reflects the importance of the day-night Test in Adelaide, where India suffered a humiliating defeat in 2020-21. However, the team famously rallied to win the series 2-1, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.India's previous experience with day-night Tests is limited to four matches, including a recent encounter against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. Australia, on the other hand, has played 12 day-night Tests, all on home soil. Despite their experience, Australia suffered their first defeat with the pink ball last season against West Indies in Brisbane.The Prime Minister's XI has emerged as a formidable side in recent seasons, effectively serving as an Australia A team. Matt Renshaw has been particularly impressive in the last two fixtures, scoring three centuries. However, the pitch at Manuka Oval has drawn criticism for being slow and low, raising concerns about its suitability for Test preparation.Before facing the Prime Minister's XI, India will engage in an intra-squad warm-up at the WACA from November 15-18. They will arrive in Australia after completing a three-match home Test series against New Zealand. Additionally, an India A squad will tour Australia from late October, playing two four-day matches in Mackay and Melbourne.