Senior Australian batter Steve Smith has stirred excitement ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy by describing Virat Kohli as “the most Australian of Indian players.” In a candid conversation, Smith highlighted Kohli’s aggressive mindset, competitive nature, and how he thrives in the heat of battle—traits often associated with Australian cricketers.
Smith and Kohli are set to face off in the five-match Test series between India and Australia, beginning in November 2024. The rivalry between these two modern-day greats is one of the most talked-about aspects of the series, and Smith’s comments add an intriguing narrative ahead of the contest.
During a video segment on Star Sports, Smith was asked to pick one Indian cricketer who he believes embodies an Australian-like attitude. Without hesitation, Smith chose Kohli, explaining:
“Virat Kohli is Australian in thoughts and action. The way he gets into the battle, the way he gets into the challenge, and tries to get on top of the opposition—he’s probably the most Australian of Indian players I’d say.”
Smith’s opinion was seconded by Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who added that Kohli’s knack for performing in big games and his aggressive mindset mirrors that of many Australian cricketers. Starc elaborated:
“I believe Virat Kohli probably is the most Australian-like in terms of how he performs in big games. The way he takes on the game, the way he thinks about the game. He loves getting into the contest, which I think a lot of Australian players do.”
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The Build-Up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to commence with a Test match in Perth on November 22, 2024, is already drawing plenty of attention. The second Test will be held in Adelaide starting December 6, followed by the third Test at the Gabba on December 14. The iconic Boxing Day Test will take place in Melbourne from December 26 to December 30, with the series concluding at the Sydney Cricket Ground (January 3 to January 7, 2025).
Both Kohli and Smith have been instrumental in shaping their teams’ fortunes in past editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli, who has a formidable record against Australia in Test cricket, has scored 1,979 runs in 24 matches at an average of 48.26, including eight centuries. Smith, on the other hand, boasts an even more impressive record, with 1,887 runs in 18 matches at a staggering average of 65.06.
While Starc’s numbers against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy haven’t been as dominant, the left-arm pacer has still managed to pick up 44 wickets in 17 Tests. His best bowling figures in the series stand at 4-53, and he will be keen to improve on those statistics when the two teams meet again.
A Battle of the Best
As the countdown to the series begins, Smith’s comments add yet another layer to the narrative between two of the fiercest cricketing rivals. Kohli, known for his on-field intensity, will once again be tasked with leading India’s charge, while Smith will be eager to make his mark on home soil.
With both teams stacked with talent and passion, the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be one of the most fiercely contested Test series in recent memory. Fans can expect a gripping contest as Kohli and Smith, along with Starc and other key players, lock horns in a bid for supremacy.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: Full Schedule
- 1st Test: November 22-26, 2024 – Perth
- 2nd Test: December 6-10, 2024 – Adelaide
- 3rd Test: December 14-18, 2024 – Brisbane (Gabba)
- 4th Test: December 26-30, 2024 – Melbourne (Boxing Day Test)
- 5th Test: January 3-7, 2025 – Sydney (New Year Test)
The series will not only test the skill and resilience of both teams but also serve as another chapter in the rich history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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