Pat Cummins, the Australian cricket captain, has expressed his anticipation and excitement for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, predicting a balanced and fiercely competitive series between Australia and India. Ahead of the much-awaited clash, Cummins remarked that the competition feels like a 50-50 battle, reflecting on recent encounters where both teams have proven their mettle.
“The most recent Test match was, of course, the World Test Championship in neutral conditions, and we came out on top in that match. It’s always fiercely competitive, and it always feels like it’s 50-50. I’m 10 out of 10 excited for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” Cummins told Star Sports.
Australia’s skipper acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the last two home series against India, where they were unable to secure a victory. He emphasized the team’s commitment to making amends and drawing confidence from past victories against India.
“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, which we’ll draw confidence from,” Cummins added.
Australia last triumphed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy during the 2014-15 series, while India currently hold the coveted trophy, having clinched victories in both the last home and away series.
Veteran batsman Steve Smith also shared his enthusiasm for the series, highlighting the high-quality cricket both nations have been playing. He praised the Indian team for their balanced composition and ability to perform well, both at home and in Australia.
“It’s going to be a great series. You know, India have been playing outstanding cricket. We’ve been playing really good cricket the last couple of years. You know, we haven’t beaten India in the last two times they’ve come out here. Obviously got a terrific side, very well-balanced team, all bases covered,” said Smith.
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“So, you know, they’ve played really good cricket out here. They’ve played good cricket when we’ve been over in India as well, where we know they’re very, very difficult to beat. So it’s going to be a big summer. It’s going to be an exciting one. And yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc added his perspective, comparing the significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to the legendary Ashes series. He noted the intensifying rivalry and the growing stature of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the years.
“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, if you like, has just grown from strength to strength over each series and now we see it as a five Test match series which is fantastic for not only the rivalry but for the series as well,” Starc explained.
Reflecting on the calibre of players and matches that the series has showcased, Starc underlined the excitement and quality of cricket fans can expect. Both teams are well acquainted with each other, having faced off frequently across various formats, which has only heightened the rivalry and anticipation.
“Whether it’s the calibre of player, the calibre of matches that we see as fans and as cricketers just continues to grow strength on strength each series and now India obviously winning a number of series in a row, it’s created even a bigger rivalry between the two countries. I mean both teams are well known to one another, we play each other very often across the formats so I’m sure it’ll be another exciting series but one I think that both experienced sides will showcase some fantastic cricket.”
The five-Test series is set to commence in Perth on November 22 and will conclude at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 3 to 7. In between, the matches will be hosted in Adelaide (featuring the pink-ball Test from December 6), at the Gabba in Brisbane (from December 14), and the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Cricket enthusiasts from both nations are brimming with excitement, eager to witness another chapter in the historic rivalry that promises high drama, intense competition, and spectacular performances from some of the world’s best cricketing talents. The stakes are high, and both Australia and India are preparing meticulously for what promises to be an extraordinary cricketing summer.