The much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) between India and Australia will commence on November 22. This will mark the first-ever five-match Test series in the rivalry’s history.
India are the reigning champions of the last four editions. They prepare to face Australia on their turf. Australian players have shared their thoughts on the series’ growing potential in world cricket.
India’s dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been evident in recent years. The Men in Blue won the last two away series in Australia. Those were the triumphs of 2018-19 and 2020-21.
As the competition intensifies, the 2024 edition will test Australia’s resolve on home soil. It will also be pivotal in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India and Australia sit atop the WTC points table. With 60 points on offer during the five matches, the outcome of this series will impact the final standings.
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc reflected on the importance of the series. He noted how the BGT has evolved to rival even the iconic Ashes series against England. “For Australian cricket, you’ve got the Ashes, and then you’ve got the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in there,” Starc explained. “There’s a long history in the Ashes, but that Border-Gavaskar rivalry has grown from strength to strength over each series. Now we see it as a five-Test match series. This is fantastic for both the rivalry and the Test series.”
Starc’s words highlight the growing recognition of the BGT as more than just another bilateral contest. Over the years, the rivalry has grown into one of the most fiercely contested series in international cricket. It draws global attention and generates excitement among fans and players alike. The upcoming edition is stretched across five Tests for the first time. It will offer both teams more opportunities to display their skill and strategy.
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins echoed these sentiments. He emphasized the team’s desire to regain the trophy after two successive losses on home soil. “The last two series here in Australia haven’t been successful, so it’s been a long time. Hopefully, it’s time to make amends. We’ve played them plenty of times where they’ve beaten us. Yet, we’ve also had plenty of wins against them, from which we’ll draw confidence,” Cummins said. Overall, he expressed the team’s determination to put up a strong fight this time around.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy was first contested in 1996. It was named to honour two cricketing legends: Sunil Gavaskar of India and Allan Border of Australia. Since its inception, 16 series editions have been played, with India winning ten, Australia securing five, and one drawn. The upcoming clash will be the latest chapter in a storied rivalry that has gained increasing prominence in cricket.
Adding to the significance of the series is its impact on the World Test Championship. Both teams are playing for bragging rights and crucial points that could determine who will play in the WTC final in 2025. With the stakes so high, the contest promises to be a thrilling spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.
Before the BGT begins, India will face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series. It will be followed by a three-match series against New Zealand, which will serve as preparation for the five-match showdown against Australia.
As the countdown to November 22 continues, it’s clear that the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be more than just another cricket series. With history, pride, and crucial WTC points on the line, the world will be watching as two of cricket’s giants go head-to-head in one of the sport’s most intense rivalries.
