Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: A Rivalry Like No Other

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is just around the corner, as cricketing giants India and Australia prepare to clash in a five-Test series spanning a month and a half across five iconic Australian cities. The series kicks off on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

Introduction: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The rivalry between India and Australia in Test cricket is among the most celebrated in the world, with some former players even comparing it to the Ashes. Both teams, known for their grit and determination, rarely go down without a fight, ensuring a contest of the highest quality.

It will be the first five-Test series for India since the 1991-92 season. Cricket Australia has made one notable alteration by switching the Gabba with Perth for the Australia series opener. Optus Stadium, which last year hosted its first Test when India toured Australia during 2018-19, is one of the relatively new venues. That match, played on a lively surface, saw Australia triumph despite Virat Kohli’s magnificent century. This year’s opener will be a day-night Test, a format in which Australia has excelled, remaining unbeaten at the Adelaide Oval and only recently losing their first pink-ball Test, against the West Indies, in Brisbane. This will be India’s attempt at an unprecedented hat-trick of Test series victories on Australian soil, having never won a series Down Under until their historic triumph in 2018-19.

Australia would aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, played for the last time in 2014-15. It’s not just an old bilateral contest but the series comes with huge stakes within the framework of the World Test Championship. This being the situation, both teams are at the top two of the table, and the winner is very likely to reach the WTC final while the loser will have a hard task making it through.

The Legacy of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is something special in cricketing history. It began from the most modest of origins: a one-off test back in 1996, named after the legendary cricketer Allan Border of Australia and Sunil Gavaskar of India. It has grown out as a multi-match event of prestige; however, it is well known for high-stakes encounters that have delivered memorable moments defining cricketing greatness.

Key Historical Highlights: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

– 1996-97: India won the inaugural series, with Nayan Mongia named Player of the Series.

– 1997-98: India triumphed again, with Sachin Tendulkar delivering exceptional performances.

– 1999-2000: Despite Tendulkar’s brilliance as Player of the Series, Australia won their first series on home soil.

– 2000-01: India edged a thrilling 2-1 victory at home, with Harbhajan Singh’s sensational performances earning him Player of the Series.

– 2003-04: A fiercely contested series ended in a 1-1 draw, allowing India to retain the trophy, with Rahul Dravid starring as Player of the Series.

– 2004-05 & 2007-08: Australia regained the upper hand, with Damien Martyn and Brett Lee playing pivotal roles.

– 2008-09 & 2010-11: India bounced back with successive victories, featuring stellar contributions from Ishant Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar.

– 2011-12: Australia dominated at home, with Michael Clarke named Player of the Series.

– 2012-13: India regained the trophy with a commanding home performance, led by Ravichandran Ashwin.

– 2014-15: Australia emerged victorious, with Steve Smith’s consistent performances securing him Player of the Series honors.

– 2016-17: India reclaimed the trophy under Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance as Player of the Series.

– 2018-19: India made history with their first Test series win in Australia, highlighted by Cheteshwar Pujara’s marathon knocks.

– 2020-21: In a display of remarkable resilience, India bounced back from being bowled out for 36 in the first Test to win the series 2-1, including a record-breaking victory at the Gabba that ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue.

– 2022-23: India continued their dominance at home, with Ashwin and Jadeja sharing Player of the Series honors.

Despite losing the 2023 WTC final to Australia, India has asserted dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning 10 out of the 16 series played, while Australia has won 5.

Memorable Moments and Records : Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Over the years, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has delivered unforgettable moments and set numerous records:

– VVS Laxman’s 281 (2001): A remarkable innings in Kolkata turned the match and series in India’s favor.

– Australia’s 2004 triumph: A historic 2-1 series win ended India’s dominance on home soil.

– MS Dhoni’s double century (2013): The first by an Indian wicketkeeper, with Kohli also scoring a century in the same match.

– Shikhar Dhawan’s debut in 3rd Test(2013): A stunning knock of 187 in the first innings helped India secure victory.

– Gabba heroics (2020-21): India rebounded from the infamous 36 all-out to seal a 2-1 series win, breaking Australia’s fortress at the Gabba.

– Virat Kohli’s contributions: His aggressive leadership and consistent performances in 2014 and 2018 redefined India’s approach in Australia.

Record Holders : Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

– Sachin Tendulkar: The highest run-scorer in the series- 3,262 runs

– Nathan Lyon: Leading wicket-takers- 116 wickets

As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches, cricket fans eagerly await another enthralling chapter in this storied rivalry. Will India extend their dominance, or will Australia stage a comeback? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for supremacy will be fierce.

Squads: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

India

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.

Traveling reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed.

Australia

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (WK), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (WK), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc

Schedule: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Broadcast: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

For fans in India:

The series will be broadcast on Star Sports Network, and live streaming can be done on Disney+ Hotstar which ensures the availability on mobile and web

For Fans in Australia:

The series will be covered via Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports, delivering live broadcasts and streaming options on compatible devices.