The IND vs AUS Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series is set to captivate fans globally, starting November 22, 2024. This edition of the BGT marks a milestone, as it spans five Tests in Australia, the longest format for these two teams in nearly 30 years. For India, it’s a chance to retain the coveted trophy they have won four consecutive times. Meanwhile, Australia, determined to reclaim the BGT on their home turf after a decade, is ready to counter India’s strengths.
This comprehensive guide covers the series schedule, team lineups, key battles, and factors likely to shape this fierce rivalry. For insights into India’s recent Test form, check out our article on India’s performance in the first Test against New Zealand.
Series Schedule and Venues for IND vs AUS BGT 2024
The five-Test IND vs AUS series will take place across Australia’s iconic venues:
- 1st Test – Perth Stadium: November 22-26
- 2nd Test – Adelaide Oval (Day-Night): December 6-10
- 3rd Test – The Gabba, Brisbane: December 14-18
- 4th Test – MCG, Melbourne (Boxing Day): December 26-30
- 5th Test – SCG, Sydney: January 3-7
Each venue brings unique challenges. For instance, the Perth pitch offers bounce and pace, favoring fast bowlers, while Adelaide’s day-night Test could hinge on pink-ball dynamics, which tends to help swing bowlers in twilight hours.
India’s Squad for IND vs AUS BGT: A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent
The India squad for the BGT 2024 includes a mix of veteran players and promising young talents. Captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah lead the team, with Bumrah expected to spearhead the pace attack. Meanwhile, seasoned players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul bolster the lineup, and fresh faces such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran bring youthful energy.
- Key Players:
- Rohit Sharma: As an opener and captain, Sharma’s form will be critical in setting up strong starts.
- Virat Kohli: Known for his prowess against Australian bowlers, Kohli’s experience will anchor the middle order.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His pace and accuracy make him a potential game-changer, especially in the day-night Test.
- R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja: This spin duo adds versatility and depth to India’s attack, especially when conditions favor turn.
India will be without Mohammed Shami due to injury, making Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna essential to the pace attack. Additionally, three uncapped players—Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhimanyu Easwaran—join the squad, reflecting India’s long-term vision and adaptability.
Australia’s Squad for IND vs AUS BGT: Aiming for Redemption
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, fields a well-rounded squad eager to reclaim the BGT. Their batting lineup includes stars like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head. With David Warner’s recent retirement, Australia has infused fresh talent into their squad, and former captain Ricky Ponting has emphasized Australia’s advantage in familiar conditions.
- Key Players:
- Pat Cummins: Cummins’ leadership and pace will be pivotal in tackling India’s top order.
- Steve Smith: Known for his adaptability, Smith’s role in the middle order could significantly impact Australia’s batting stability.
- Marnus Labuschagne: His mastery over Australian pitches makes him a formidable opponent for India’s bowlers.
- Nathan Lyon: Lyon’s expertise with spin on Australian tracks will test Indian batters’ resilience, particularly in the longer formats.
Key Battles to Watch in IND vs AUS BGT 2024
- Rohit Sharma vs. Pat Cummins: As captain and opener, Rohit’s duel with Cummins will set the stage for India’s innings.
- Virat Kohli vs. Nathan Lyon: Lyon has troubled Kohli in previous matches. How Kohli tackles Lyon’s spin could shape the middle-order battle.
- Jasprit Bumrah vs. Marnus Labuschagne: Bumrah’s precise deliveries will test Labuschagne’s patience and technique, especially in the day-night Test.
The Pink-Ball Challenge in Adelaide
The second Test, a day-night encounter at Adelaide Oval, brings a new layer of complexity to the IND vs AUS BGT 2024 series. Australia’s dominance in pink-ball matches gives them an edge, as the pink ball is known to swing under lights. India, however, has strengthened its pace lineup, and with Bumrah and Siraj, they are well-prepared to make inroads.
The Stakes of the IND vs AUS BGT 2024-25 Series
This Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is not only about retaining or reclaiming a trophy. The five-Test format adds a historic element to the BGT, and each win will carry points toward the ICC World Test Championship. A victory for India would further solidify their reputation as an all-terrain team, while Australia’s win would end their decade-long BGT drought, reviving their dominance on home soil.
Previous IND vs AUS BGT series, such as India’s remarkable win in the 2020-21 series, have been marked by intense competition and unforgettable performances. The upcoming series will be no exception. For more on India’s current Test form, check out this analysis of their recent match against New Zealand.
Conclusion: A Test of Grit and Skill
The IND vs AUS BGT 2024-25 is set to be an epic clash of cricketing titans. With seasoned players, new talents, and five challenging venues, the series will test every player’s grit and skill. Beginning November 22 in Perth, this edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises memorable moments, fierce battles, and unforgettable cricket.
