'This is Test Cricket at its absolute Best' - Nick Hockley praises Border-Gavaskar Trophy as Sydney Test evenly poised

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) competed between Australia and India is undoubtedly one of the most hyped series in international cricket scenes, in fact, right alongside The Ashes where England and Australians have competed for an age-old rivalry. Of late, however, the BGT series has emerged as one of the toughest rivalries of the red-ball format, and has had fans flued to their screens as the two of the top teams in the world cross swords.

The ongoing 2024-25 edition of the series has been a perfect example of living up to the hype, as currently, Australia lead 2-1 at home, ahead of the ongoing Sydney Test. A win for the visiting Indian side would mean they would end the series on level terms against a fierce opposition, and Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has also come forward to opine his views on the drama and excitement the series has put forward. Hockley further said that the atmosphere around the tour has been very electric, and praised Travis Head and Jasprit Bumrah for their brilliance with the bat and the ball, respectively.

“It's just been an incredible series. The quality of cricket, the atmosphere on the grounds, and the level of support for both teams have been incredible. It's really been a record-breaking series. We've had more people come in to watch this series than ever before, and it's all really coming down to this deciding fifth test. I think it's wonderful that now the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a five-test series. It really puts it on a par with the English, and it's all on the line for these Players,” said Hockley as quoted by a Malaysia Sun.

Couldn't ask for a more beautiful day and weather in Sydney: Hockley

“You couldn't ask for a more beautiful day and weather in Sydney for this deciding fifth test. The main thing is just how it's brought the cricketing world together. I think I've had messages from all over the world. This is Test Cricket at its absolute Best," he added.

Speaking of the Day 2 action of the fifth and final Test, India are currently batting on 141 for the loss of six wickets with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja still at the crease. Earlier in the day, Bumrah & Co. bundled the hosts out for 181 to gain a marginal 4-run lead. Rishabh Pant has been the highlight of the day with bat, as he got out after an entertaining knock, scoring a quickfire 61 off just 33 deliveries. India would be hopeful of putting a high target on the board when they resume on Sunday, January 05.