Australia vs India 2024-25
The historic rivalry between two of the biggest cricket-loving nations, India and Australia is set to resume with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, beginning on November 22, 2024. Named after cricket legends Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar, this five-Test series is an important part of both sides' cricketing calendar.
The 2024-25 series is set to commence in Perth for the first Test, from November 22-26. Later the action will move to Adelaide from December 6-10 for the pink ball Test. The third Test will witness both sides locking horns in Brisbane from December 14-18, which will be followed by the historic Boxing-day Test match scheduled in Melbourne from December 26-30. The final affair of the series, the New Year’s Test, will be held in Sydney as both sides will play from January 2-7.
The series holds significance for both India and Australia, who must secure four victories out of five matches to qualify for the World Test Championship final. For India, the roadmap is just as challenging as they need to win the series 4-0 to secure the WTC final berth.
Though Australia holds an edge, the visitors cannot be taken lightly looking at their impressive track on Australian soil in the recent past. That said, the Indian camp faces a huge challenge with captain Rohit Sharma set to miss the opening Test in Perth, while Shubman Gill's participation is uncertain due to a finger injury. The absence of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from the initial squad is another area of concern.
All eyes will be on Virat Kohli, whose red-ball form has been under scrutiny. On the Australian front, the retirement of David Warner has led to the reshuffling of batting positions with Steven Smith returning to his preferred number four position and newcomer Nathan McSweeney stepping in as opener for the initial Tests.