All you need to know about the venues of BGT 2024-25

The forthcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar series is slated to begin on November 22. The rivalry between these two nations is at an all-time high now and is getting more intense, as Australia haven’t won a Test series against India in almost 10 years. On the contrary, India have recently lost the World Test Championship final ODI World Cup final to Australia in 2023. However, this time around, it’s not just about the bragging rights or the trophy as their spot in the WTC final is set to be decided.

Leading to the marquee series, several Australian players have expressed their desire to do well in the series against India as many of them achieved that. For the visitors, it would be difficult, especially after losing a home Test series to New Zealand earlier in the month. On top of that, captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are expected to miss the first Test in Perth. They are currently not the favourite but the team has defied the odds previously and would hope to get the job done once again.

Meanwhile, here’s a look at all the venues of BGT 2024-25:

1. Optus Stadium, Perth - November 22-26

India have played one Test in the new Stadium in Perth. In that game, star batter Virat Kohli scored a century but the visitors ended up losing the game by 146 runs. This time around, they are preparing a pace-friendly pitch and the better bowling unit is likely to have the last laugh. Meanwhile, the stadium can host around 60,000 spectators and as per resorts, the first Test will be a jam-packed affair.

Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (519 at 103.80)

Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (27 at 18.00)

Average first innings of match total since 2018-19: 456

Australia since 2018: Match - 4, Won - 4, Lost - 0

2. Adelaide Oval - December 6-10

India were bowled out for 36 runs when they last played a Test match in Adelaide. They have a horror past and that will certainly be in the minds of the players who played that game. Especially, as the Adelaide game will also be the Day-Night Test. The Rohit Sharma-led barely played a pink ball Test recently and that’s a worrying sign. Meanwhile, India have played 13 Test matches at Adelaide Oval, winning two and losing eight.

Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (574 at 71.75)

Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Mitchell Starc (30 at 17.20)

Average first innings total since 2018-19: 375

Australia since 2018: Match - 6, Won - 5, Lost - 1

Also Read - BGT 2024-25: Schedule, squads, live streaming, broadcasters & all you need to know

3. The Gabba, Brisbane - December 14-18

India broke Australia's 32-year undefeated streak at the Gabba in January 2021. Later, West Indies won there as well, courtesy of Shamar Joseph’s brilliance. Gabba meanwhile is no longer the ‘fortress’ that Australia claimed for years. However, India have played seven matches in the stadium, winning one and losing five. However, the previous win will boost the confidence of the players. The surface meanwhile will be a balanced one.

Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (497 at 62.12)

Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (36 at 17.25)

Average first innings total since 2018-19: 227

Australia since 2018: Match - 6, Won - 4, Lost - 2

4. Melbourne Cricket Ground - December 26-30

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the Boxing Day Test. Lately, the ground has been a paradise for the seamers as the batters have struggled to establish their authority. The pace unit of both teams will be gearing up for an intense contest. Meanwhile, India have played 14 Test matches at MCG, winning four and losing eight. They have produced some classic contests on the ground over the years as over 80,000 people attend each day of every Test.

Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: David Warner (361 at 60.16)

Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Pat Cummins (31 at 15.41)

Average first innings total since 2018-19: 299

Australia since 2018: Match - 6, Won - 4, Lost - 2

5. Sydney Cricket Ground - January 3-7

The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the final affair of the five-match series. The iconic ground usually supports the spinners and that is when the visitors can think of playing both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Apart from that, weather has played a spoilsport in Sydney in the last few years. India meanwhile have played 13 matches in Sydney, winning only one and losing seven.

Leading run-scorer since 2018-19: Marnus Labuschagne (734 at 81.55)

Leading wicket-taker since 2018-19: Nathan Lyon (26 at 32.42)

Average first innings total since 2018-19: 436

Australia since 2018: Match - 7, Won - 3, Lost - 0, Draw - 4