Border-Gavaskar rivalry has just grown from strength to strength: Mitchell Starc

India is gearing up for their tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in November 2024. The BGT has become one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in cricket, competing with the historic Ashes series between Australia and England.

Australian speedster Mitchell Starc recently emphasized the significance of the BGT, stating that it holds a similar status in comparison to the Ashes for Australian cricketers and fans.

The BGT, named in honour of cricketing legends Sunil Gavaskar of India and Allan Border of Australia, has been a fixture in the cricketing calendar since 1996. Over the years, it has gained immense popularity, becoming a marquee event for both nations.

India has dominated the series in recent years, winning the last four editions, including two historic away series victories in 2018-19 and 2020-21.

"For Australian cricket, you've got the Ashes and then you've got the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in there. I mean, there's a long history in the Ashes, but that Border-Gavaskar rivalry has just grown from strength to strength over each series. Now we see it as a five-Test match series, which is fantastic for both the rivalry and the Test series,” he told Wide World Sports website.

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It's time to make amends: Pat Cummins

Australian captain Pat Cummins shared similar comments as his teammate, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead for his team. The bowler is optimistic that the side can change the results this time around.

"In the last two series here in Australia, we haven't been successful, so it's been a long time. Hopefully, it's time to make amends. You know, we've played them plenty of times where they've beaten us, but we've also had plenty of wins against them as well, from which we'll draw confidence,” Cummins said

Also read: Border Gavaskar Trophy is always fiercely competitive, and it always feels like it's 50-50: Pat Cummins

The upcoming series holds even greater significance as both teams are currently at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. With 60 crucial points on the line, the BGT could potentially shape the final standings and determine the two teams that will compete in the WTC final in 2025 at Lord's.