India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024: Five Major Updates You Need to Know
The India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been one of the most anticipated cricketing events globally. Whenever India and Australia face off, particularly in the Test format, the excitement reaches new heights. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024 is no different, with both teams eyeing dominance in the Test arena. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the showdown between these two powerhouses, especially after India’s recent triumphs on Australian soil. Let’s dive into the five major updates that are setting the stage for this thrilling series.
1. India to Tour Australia for a Five-Test Series
The first significant update is that the upcoming India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a five-Test series. In previous editions, this series was mostly limited to four Tests. However, to raise the stakes and give both teams ample opportunity to prove their mettle, it has been extended to five Tests. India will arrive in Australia by mid-November 2024, giving them enough time to acclimatise to the challenging Australian conditions. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 22nd November in Perth, a venue known for its fast and bouncy pitch that has often troubled visiting teams. However, it’s worth remembering that India has already registered a memorable win in Perth in the past, which gives them confidence ahead of this series.
2. Pat Cummins and Australia’s Preparations
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has already begun his preparations for the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite the series being months away, Cummins has been practising and strategising to ensure his team’s victory. According to reports, he started his training in September 2024, focusing on both physical conditioning and mental preparedness. Cummins knows that reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is no easy task, especially after losing the last two series to India, both in home conditions. The Australian captain is determined to avenge those losses and restore Australia’s dominance in the cricketing world.
3. The Battle for the World Test Championship Final Spots
Another crucial aspect of the upcoming India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy is its significance in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Both India and Australia are competing fiercely to secure their positions in the top two of the WTC table. Finishing in the top two is essential as it guarantees a spot in the WTC final, where the ultimate Test champion is crowned. Currently, both teams are in a neck-and-neck battle, making every Test match in this series even more critical. The winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy could very well secure their place in the WTC final, adding extra intensity to an already high-stakes series.
4. The Iconic Venues and Schedule
The schedule for the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been confirmed, and fans are in for a treat as the series will be played across some of the most iconic Australian cricket venues. The series opener will take place in Perth from 22nd to 26th November 2024, followed by a Day-Night Test in Adelaide from 6th to 10th December. This venue holds special significance, as India was bowled out for a paltry 36 runs in Adelaide during the 2021 series. However, they bounced back to win the series, making Adelaide a ground of mixed memories for both teams.
The third Test will be held at the Gabba in Brisbane from 14th to 18th December. The Gabba was the site of India’s famous victory in 2021, where they ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the venue. The fourth Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from 26th to 30th December, traditionally known as the Boxing Day Test. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at Sydney from 3rd to 7th January 2025. These venues are all historic, and each Test will be a battle for supremacy.
5. Match Timings and Where to Watch
For Indian fans eager to catch every ball of the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy, match timings have been finalised to suit both local and global audiences. The first Test in Perth will start at 7:50 AM IST, with sessions scheduled as follows: 7:50 AM to 9:50 AM for the first session, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM for the second session, and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for the final session. The second Test, being a Day-Night affair, will start at 3:00 PM IST, allowing fans to watch under the lights, with play extending into the night.
The third Test at the Gabba is set to start even earlier, at 5:50 AM IST, so Indian fans will need to wake up early to follow the action. The fourth and fifth Tests, in Melbourne and Sydney respectively, will also start at 5:00 AM IST, making it an early morning viewing experience for the Indian audience.
For fans in India, the entire series will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network, with coverage available in both English and Hindi. Additionally, the series will be available for live streaming on Hotstar, allowing viewers to watch the action on the go.
Australia’s Mind Games
In the lead-up to the India vs Australia Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia has already started playing mind games. With Cummins leading from the front, the Australians are keen to unsettle India with aggressive tactics and strategies, both on and off the field. The narrative of revenge is already being pushed, especially after India humiliated Australia in their last two home series. Australia is eager to turn the tables, and Cummins’ early preparations are a clear sign of how seriously they are taking this series.
