It’s that time of year when ardent cricket fans set their alarms for early mornings. Yes, the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy is here – one of cricket’s premier Test series, played between India and Australia. Some are even calling it a bigger rivalry than the Ashes. Let’s have that debate later.
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled from 22nd November to 7th January, promises to be different. For the first time since the 1991-92 series, the rivalry will span five Tests instead of four.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Full Coverage
India are hurting. They weren’t expected to lose at home, but a spirited New Zealand side handed them a humiliating 0-3 whitewash. Meanwhile, Australia will be hungrier than ever, having lost the last four Border-Gavaskar series, including two at home. They certainly won’t want India to complete a hat-trick of away wins. For Pat Cummins, the marvellous captain, this series is the final frontier.
For India, it’s also a crucial test for the new captain-coach pairing of Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir, who will be eager to silence their critics. India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time also took a significant blow after the shocking defeat to New Zealand. To secure a guaranteed berth, they need to beat Australia 4-1; even a 3-2 victory may leave their fate hanging in the balance.
BGT 2024-25: FULL SCHEDULE AND INDIA START TIMINGS
Here’s the complete schedule for the upcoming series. Mark your calendars!
1st Test: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Dates: 22nd–26th November
- Time: 10:20 am local / 7:50 am IST
2nd Test: Adelaide Oval (Day-Night)
- Dates: 6th–10th December
- Time: 2:30 pm local / 9:30 am IST
3rd Test: The Gabba, Brisbane
- Dates: 14th–18th December
- Time: 10:20 am local / 5:50 am IST
4th Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Boxing Day Test)
- Dates: 26th–30th December
- Time: 10:30 am local / 5:00 am IST
5th Test: Sydney Cricket Ground
- Dates: 3rd–7th January
- Time: 10:30 am local / 5:00 am IST
HOW TO WATCH BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY IN INDIA
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: Hotstar
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
In Australia, India have played 52 Tests, winning only nine and losing 30. Notably, four of those nine victories came in their last two memorable tours.
For a detailed recap of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s history, you can check this article.
DECODING THE BGT SQUADS
India named a jumbo 18-man squad for the Test series, seemingly intent on ensuring sufficient options following their shocking home loss to New Zealand earlier in November.
HOW DOES THE INDIAN TEAM LOOK?
ROHIT SHARMA TO MISS PERTH TEST
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, will not be available for the first Test. He did not travel to Australia with the rest of the team as he was on paternity leave following the birth of his second child, a baby boy, earlier in November. Rohit is expected to join the squad ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide.
OLD GUARDS MISSING
In a significant decision, India did not recall Cheteshwar Pujara, a player who has been a thorn in Australia’s side during the past two tours and a pivotal figure in India’s historic successes Down Under. Instead, the team management, led by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit, decided to back younger talents and embrace the transitional phase.
India will feel the absence of Mohammed Shami, who was not risked for the tour due to injury issues. Shami returned from a year-long ankle injury lay-off to play a round of Ranji Trophy in November, but he is not part of the squad. The Bengal pacer is expected to join the squad in the latter half of the tour, fitness permitting.
SHUBMAN GILL SETBACK
Another blow came with star batter Shubman Gill being ruled out of the first Test in Perth due to a fractured left thumb. Gill, a crucial component of India’s batting line-up, was poised to take on the important No. 3 spot. He is expected to be back in time for the second Test in Adelaide.
THE BATTING GROUP
India have placed their faith in a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents.
- Core Group: The line-up includes Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
- Young Guns: Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel have also been included, with Jurel impressing in India A’s recent unofficial Tests. Jurel, a wicketkeeper-batter, will be keen on proving his mettle as a pure batter in the XI.
- KL Rahul’s Opportunity: Despite facing criticism for not capitalising on opportunities, KL Rahul has been backed by the management. With Rohit and Gill unavailable, Rahul might play a key role in the series opener.
REVAMPED BOWLING ATTACK
India’s bowling unit reflects a mix of experience and fresh energy, particularly with injuries to Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav.
- Pace Spearhead: Jasprit Bumrah will lead the attack, joined by fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj.
- Spin Duo: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will look to redeem themselves after a rare subpar performance against New Zealand.
- New Entrants:
- Akash Deep: He has been rewarded for his stellar showing in home Tests. The Bengal pacer is looked at as an ideal replacement for Shami.
- Washington Sundar: The spin-bowling all-rounder was preferred over Axar Patel after a stellar comeback against New Zealand.
- Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy: Two young prospects fast-tracked into the squad, with speculation rife that at least one might debut in Perth.
HOW DOES THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM LOOK?
Australia, by contrast, have named a lean 13-man squad for the series opener, with minimal surprises.
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Steve Smith Returns to No. 4: Following David Warner’s retirement in January, Smith had temporarily moved to the opening slot but is now back to his favoured middle-order position.
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Opening Partnership: Nathan McSweeney, a 25-year-old Queenslander with a first-class average of 38, has been chosen as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner. McSweeney edged out more established names like Marcus Harris.
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Supporting Cast
- Josh Inglis has been included as a reserve wicketkeeper.
- Scott Boland joins as the fourth frontline pacer.
- Mitchell Marsh is expected to fill the all-rounder role, compensating for Cameron Green’s absence.
SQUADS: BGT 2024-25
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Yash Dayal.
Australia (First Test): Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
FROM KOHLI TO NITISH: PLAYERS IN THE NEWS
Virat Kohli: Kohli is under pressure after scoring just 93 runs in the home defeat to New Zealand, but his record in Australia (1,352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54, including six centuries) remains formidable. The Australian media’s praise for him since his arrival in Perth could be strategic, aimed at tempering his aggression.
Gautam Gambhir’s Litmus Test: As head coach, Gambhir has faced scrutiny following mixed results, including series losses in Sri Lanka and Australia. A gritty ex-opener, he now has the chance to prove his doubters wrong.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Leadership Audition: Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the world’s best fast bowlers, has another opportunity to impress as captain. Following India’s loss to England in his debut as skipper in 2022, he is keen to refine his leadership skills, especially with Rohit Sharma nearing the twilight of his career.
Shubman Gill’s big test: Gill will look to cement his place at No. 3 when fit, proving his adaptability in the absence of Pujara.
Can Dhruv Jurel make it count? The Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper has shown promise and might tempt the management into playing him as a pure batter with Pant donning the gloves.
Nitish Kumar Reddy to do a Sharul? The 22-year-old all-rounder has been fast-tracked into the Test squad. He has done well in first-class matches and grabbed the attention of the world with his all-round heroics in his maiden T20I series against Bangladesh in October.
Rishabh Pant’s Return: Pant’s miraculous recovery from a near-fatal car crash has been inspirational. He was India’s standout performer against New Zealand and remains a vital player for the team, especially in conditions like Australia.
PITCH BUZZ FOR PERTH TEST
The Optus Stadium pitch has a reputation for pace and bounce but lacks the ferocity of the iconic WACA, which is no longer in use for Test cricket.
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Typical Conditions: Dry weather often leads to cracks, aiding seamers and spinners alike as the game progresses. However, recent persistent rain has limited pitch preparations, potentially reducing deterioration.
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Curator’s View: Isaac McDonald, the head curator, said, “I don’t think the weather is going to make this pitch fall apart. There’ll be some variable bounce, but no big WACA-style cracks.”
Will it be Bumrah or Cummins who lands the first blow? Considering India’s injuries and uncertainties, seizing the early advantage will be crucial for the visitors. But if Australia have learned anything from 2020-21, it’s never to write off India.
