Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist has placed the onus on the Australian cricket team to reassert their dominance on home soil in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. With India visiting Australia for a five-match Test series starting in late November, the spotlight is on Pat Cummins and his men to reclaim the prestigious trophy that has eluded them for the past decade.
Australia last secured the BGT in 2014, and since then, India has been the dominant force, winning two back-to-back series in Australia, once under Virat Kohli in 2018-19 and again under Ajinkya Rahane in 2020-21. As the anticipation builds for the upcoming series, Gilchrist emphasized that Australia must prove their superiority on home turf.
Speaking to The Times of India, Gilchrist acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the Indian team, particularly given their proven track record of winning overseas. “The onus is on Australia to prove they are the dominant force at home. India know how to go away and win overseas,” he stated. Despite his confidence in Australia’s abilities, Gilchrist admitted that the series could be a closely contested affair. “Naturally, I’m going to say Australia, hope they get there. But it’s too close to call. It will be a close tussle,” he added.
Pat Cummins Focused on BGT
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will serve as a critical preparation for both teams ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2025. Currently, India leads the WTC points table, with Australia in second place. It is widely expected that these two teams will face off again in the WTC Final at Lord’s in the English summer of 2025.
Australia’s last encounter with India in the BGT was a tough one, with the team losing the series 1-3 on Indian soil in 2023. However, Australia bounced back by winning the WTC title and subsequently clinched the ODI World Cup, defeating India in the final on both occasions. As Australia prepares to host India, the focus is squarely on regaining the BGT.
Nathan Lyon’s Unfinished Business
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, a veteran of many battles against India, expressed his determination to bring the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back to Australia. Lyon, who has been an integral part of Australia’s Test setup, emphasized the team’s hunger for redemption.
“It’s been ten years of unfinished business, it’s been a long time, and I know we’re extremely hungry to turn things around especially here at home,” Lyon told ESPNcricinfo. He acknowledged the strength of the Indian side but reiterated his resolve to reclaim the trophy. “Don’t get me wrong, India is an absolute superstar side and extremely challenging, but I’m extremely hungry to turn things around and make sure we get that trophy back,” Lyon said.
The series promises to be a battle of titans, with both teams boasting world-class talent and a burning desire to emerge victorious. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the stage is set for an epic showdown between two of the sport’s fiercest rivals.
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