Cricket

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, and excitement is building for the clash between India and Australia. Despite some injury concerns, former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey believes India will put up a strong fight in the five-match series.Hussey acknowledges that India has a history of success in Australia, having won the last two BGTs Down Under. However, he believes the Australian players are eager to prove themselves and level the playing field. He emphasizes the high quality of cricket expected in the series, which has become one of the most sought-after events in the cricket calendar.Hussey highlights the importance of the series for Australian players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, who may see it as their last opportunity to beat India in Australia. He also praises the appointment of Gautam Gambhir as India's new head coach, noting his competitive spirit and ability to instill a winning mentality in his teams.Despite some unsettledness in the Indian camp, Hussey believes the team has the depth and talent to overcome adversity. He dismisses the notion that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are finished, emphasizing their legendary status and ability to perform under pressure.The series is also set to feature a battle between two modern-day great off-spinners, R Ashwin and Nathan Lyon. Hussey expects both bowlers to play crucial roles for their respective teams, with Lyon's ability to bowl both offensively and defensively being particularly valuable.Hussey acknowledges that India's recent struggles against spin could be a factor, but he believes Lyon will need to bowl well in Australian conditions to be effective. He also emphasizes the importance of a group mentality for both teams, with India needing to rely on more than just Jasprit Bumrah to succeed.Hussey believes that the IPL has helped foster friendships between Indian and Australian players, but he stresses that once the game starts, it's all about national pride and competition. He advises KL Rahul to trust his game and focus on his preparation, as he is one of the best players in the world when he's at his best.Overall, Hussey is optimistic about the upcoming series, predicting high-quality cricket and a fascinating battle between two great teams.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to commence, igniting a fierce rivalry that has captivated cricket enthusiasts worldwide. India, who have recently dominated Australia, face a formidable challenge this time around.After a disappointing 3-0 loss to New Zealand at home, India's vulnerability is evident. The spotlight will be on star players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah to deliver against a formidable Australian side.In a lighthearted moment before the battle, the Indian team engaged in a fun Q&A session. Kohli, asked about his best knock in Australia, recalled his century at Perth in the 2018-19 series. "It was the toughest pitch I played on in Test cricket," Kohli said. "It was great to get a hundred on that tour."Former cricketer and analyst Sanjay Manjrekar analyzed how Australian bowlers might approach Kohli's batting. He believes Kohli is aware of the tactics that will be employed against him."They'll start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mindset is," Manjrekar said. "Australia might also try to cramp him for room and attack his body since he likes to get forward."Manjrekar further elaborated that if Kohli focuses on balls outside the off stump, Australian bowlers, particularly Josh Hazlewood, might target a line on the middle stump, similar to the one Vernon Philander used effectively."Australia will test various strategies, and Virat Kohli is fully aware of that," Manjrekar added.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to unfold, the stage is set for an intense battle between two cricketing giants. India will aim to maintain their dominance, while Australia will seek redemption and reclaim their supremacy.

India and Australia are set to clash in the highly anticipated opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth on November 22. The Indian team, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, is aiming for a historic third consecutive triumph on Australian soil.India has enjoyed recent success in Australia, securing back-to-back series wins in 2018-19 and 2020-21. To qualify directly for the World Test Championship final in 2025, India needs to win four Tests in this series.Australia, on the other hand, has not defeated India in a home Test series since 2014-15. The two teams also faced off in the World Test Championship final and the 50-over World Cup final last year, with Australia emerging victorious in both.This series marks the first five-Test encounter between India and Australia in over 30 years. The weather forecast for Perth on November 22 predicts pleasant conditions with a partly sunny sky and a minimal chance of rain.India's squad includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. Australia's squad features Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Nathan Lyon.The series promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the world's top Test teams. India will be looking to continue their dominance in Australia, while the hosts will be eager to regain their home advantage.

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has strongly advocated for the inclusion of seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI for the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth. Ganguly believes that Ashwin's experience and skill make him the best choice for the role, despite his recent struggles in home conditions.Ashwin has been a subject of debate among cricket experts and fans, with some questioning his place in the team after being sidelined in crucial matches, including the World Test Championship final in 2023. However, Ganguly maintains that Ashwin remains India's premier spinner and should be an automatic selection."There is no debate. Ashwin must play. Your best spinner must play. In Test cricket, play specialists," Ganguly said. "Also, against the number of left-handers in the Australian line-up, Ashwin is certain to have an impact."Ganguly acknowledges the presence of other talented spinners in the Indian squad, such as Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but believes that Ashwin's experience and ability to bowl to left-handers give him the edge."Yes, there is [Ravindra] Jadeja and Washington [Sundar] and both bat well, but you must go in with your best spinner in the first Test. Play with specialist batsmen and bowlers, and that's where Ashwin is my choice," he added.Ashwin's recent form in home Tests against New Zealand has been underwhelming, with the off-spinner failing to take a single wicket in two innings. However, Ganguly believes that Ashwin's overall record and his ability to adapt to different conditions make him the best choice for the Perth Test."He's a world-class spinner. He's got a lot of experience. He's bowled well in Australia before. So, I think he's the best choice for the first Test," Ganguly said.The Indian team management will have a tough decision to make in selecting the playing XI for the Perth Test, with several players vying for spots in the batting and bowling departments. However, Ganguly's strong endorsement of Ashwin suggests that the veteran spinner is likely to be given the nod ahead of his younger rivals.

Virat Kohli, the prolific Indian batsman, stands on the cusp of another significant milestone in his illustrious career. As India prepares to face Australia in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on November 22, Kohli has the opportunity to surpass Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid in terms of runs scored against the Aussies.Kohli has amassed 2,042 runs against Australia in 25 Tests, averaging 47.48. He requires just 102 more runs to overtake Dravid, who scored 2,143 runs in 32 Tests against the Aussies. Kohli's record against Australia includes eight centuries and five half-centuries, showcasing his dominance against one of the world's top cricketing nations.Currently ranked fifth among Indian batters with the most runs against Australia, Kohli has the potential to move up the ladder and cement his place among the all-time greats. Cheteshwar Pujara, who is not part of India's squad for the upcoming series, occupies the fourth spot with 2,074 runs in 25 Tests.Former star VVS Laxman sits second on the list with 2,434 runs in 29 Tests at an average of 49.67. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar leads the chart with a staggering 3,630 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 55. Tendulkar's record includes 11 centuries and 16 fifties, highlighting his exceptional dominance against Australia.Kohli's pursuit of Dravid's record is a testament to his consistency and longevity at the highest level. The Indian captain has been a cornerstone of the team's success in recent years, and his ability to perform against Australia, one of the most formidable opponents in world cricket, is a testament to his class.As India embarks on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli will be eager to add to his tally against Australia and etch his name further into the annals of Indian cricket history.

India-Australia Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Border-Gavaskar TrophyAs the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, the verbal sparring has commenced. Former Australian greats have identified Virat Kohli as India's "key player" and urged the hosts to "go hard" on the emotional Indian captain.Amidst the serious banter, a lighthearted video has emerged featuring current Australian players discussing the upcoming series. Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, and Nathan Lyon engage in a humorous exchange.Marsh recalls India's disastrous 36-all out in the first Test of their 2021 tour of Australia. Khawaja reminds Hazlewood of his impressive 5/8 performance in that match, but Lyon interjects that Australia ultimately lost the series.Marsh attempts to lighten the mood by showing a picture of Rohit Sharma with Lyon and Starc. Starc boasts of dismissing the Indian captain eight times in Tests, but Lyon corrects him, saying, "Actually it's nine, but who's counting?"Khawaja then reveals a card stating that Australia has lost the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies. Marsh dismisses the card, claiming he has removed all the bad ones from the deck.The first Test of the series begins in Perth on November 22. India must win four Tests in Australia to qualify directly for the World Test Championships final at Lord's in June 2025.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), a highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and Australia, is set to commence in Australia. This series holds immense significance as it impacts the qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.India, a consistent performer in the WTC, aims to reach the final for the third consecutive cycle. Australia, the defending champions, currently leads the WTC standings. The series outcome will significantly influence the qualification process.Historically, Australia has dominated the BGT at home, winning 14 of 27 matches. However, India has emerged victorious in four of the last six matches, winning the last two series with a 2-1 margin.As India prepares to play BGT in all five major Test venues in Australia for the first time, let's delve into their past performances at each venue:Adelaide:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India's first BGT match in Adelaide in 1999 resulted in a defeat. However, they have since registered two victories, in 2003 and 2018, which significantly impacted the series outcomes.Melbourne:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 2* Australia Wins: 4* Draws: 1India initially struggled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, losing four consecutive matches. However, they have turned it around by winning the last two matches, contributing to their series victories Down Under.Sydney:* Matches: 7* India Wins: 0* Australia Wins: 3* Draws: 4Sydney Cricket Ground remains the only venue where India has yet to win a BGT match. They have suffered their biggest defeat Down Under at SCG, losing by an innings and 141 runs in 2000.Brisbane:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 1* Draws: 1India's results at The Gabba have been mixed. They drew the first encounter in 2003-04 but lost in 2014-15. However, their memorable three-wicket win in 2021, featuring Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89, secured the series victory.Perth:* Matches: 3* India Wins: 1* Australia Wins: 2* Draws: 0India won their first BGT match in Perth in 2008. However, they have since suffered two heavy defeats, including an innings and 37 runs loss in 2012.

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 upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 between Australia and India promises to be an enthralling spectacle, with both teams eager to prove their dominance. For the Indian cricketers, the challenge of playing in Australia's demanding conditions looms large.Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar emphasized the significance of the series, stating that it presents the ultimate test for Indian cricketers. India's recent dominance in the series, with four consecutive series wins, has instilled a sense of confidence within the team. However, Nayar cautioned that overcoming the challenges of Australian conditions requires a special mindset."It's one of the toughest challenges for an Indian cricketer, coming here and overcoming it," Nayar said. "I think a lot of the young boys are really keen and raring to go and hopefully make a name for themselves by the end of this tour."The Border-Gavaskar series will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6-10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the captivating day-night format. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test at Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7.India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series includes a blend of experienced and promising players. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, and Virat Kohli are among the senior players expected to play key roles.The series is poised to be a fierce battle between two of the world's top cricketing nations. India will be determined to extend its winning streak, while Australia will be eager to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil.