With the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 set to kick off on November 22 in Australia, Australian star batter Marnus Labuschagne has identified India’s fast bowling as their most potent weapon, making them a formidable opponent even in Australian conditions. Labuschagne, one of the top-ranked Test batters in the world, acknowledged the strength of the Rohit Sharma-led side, citing their pace attack as a key factor in what promises to be a thrilling five-match series.
India’s pacers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, have been instrumental in India’s recent successes in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which they have won twice consecutively on Australian soil. The Indian fast bowlers are expected to play a crucial role once again as India aims for a historic hat-trick of series wins in Australia.
In an interview with Star Sports, Labuschagne shared his thoughts on the fierce rivalry between the two teams and highlighted how the upcoming series will be one of high energy and anticipation. “Both Australia and India love the game, and they’re at the top of their game at the moment. The energy when these two teams play together is always high. There’s always high anticipation. It doesn’t matter where we play – whether in England, Australia, or India – it’s always a tough contest,” said Labuschagne.
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India’s Pace Bowling Poses a Major Challenge
Labuschagne was particularly impressed with India’s fast-bowling depth, noting how their bowlers excel even on the traditionally fast and bouncy Australian pitches. “India’s fast bowling is very good, which is really what makes them a tough team to beat in Australian conditions. Hopefully, this summer, we can turn the tables on India and put them under real pressure,” he added.
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in their previous series wins in Australia, is expected to lead the bowling attack. Meanwhile, Mohammad Shami, who is currently recovering from an injury, is likely to be fully fit for the series after making his international comeback in the Test matches against New Zealand, scheduled before the Australia tour.
Bumrah, fresh off a well-deserved break following India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, will be a key figure in India’s plans for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Shami’s recovery and return to form will be closely watched, as his ability to generate pace and movement could be crucial on Australian tracks.
India’s Road to the World Test Championship Final
In addition to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the series will play a significant role in determining India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground. India is currently leading the points table in the ongoing WTC cycle, with six wins, two losses, and one draw from nine matches.
To secure their spot in the WTC final, India will play a total of 10 more Test matches by January, including home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, followed by the Border-Gavaskar series. Australia, who are also in the running for a place in the WTC final, will look to reverse their fortunes against India after losing the last two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil.
Series Overview and Anticipation
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 is set to be one of the most eagerly awaited Test series in recent years. India’s previous victories in Australia, achieved in 2018-19 and 2020-21, have added to the anticipation, as the Rohit Sharma-led side seeks a third consecutive series win Down Under. With both teams featuring world-class players and intense rivalries, the series is expected to be fiercely contested, with India’s pace attack seen as the key to their success in challenging Australian conditions.
Labuschagne’s comments reflect the respect Australia has for India’s all-round strength, particularly their fast bowling, which has transformed them into a dominant force in world cricket. As the series draws closer, all eyes will be on Bumrah, Shami, and the rest of India’s bowling unit as they gear up for another historic campaign in Australia.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 promises high-quality cricket, and with both teams hungry for victory, fans can expect another chapter to be written in the storied rivalry between Australia and India.
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