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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, one of the most eagerly anticipated series in world cricket, never fails to deliver intense drama and high-octane action. Over the years, this iconic contest between Australia and India has evolved into a fierce rivalry, marked by unforgettable performances, nail-biting finishes, and a display of cricket at its finest.
The upcoming BGT 2024-25 is set to kick off on November 22 in Perth, marking the beginning of another epic battle between cricketing giants Australia and India. The series will consist of five Tests, with the traditional New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, promising a thrilling finale to the series.
Ricky Ponting predicts the scoreline
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has made a bold prediction for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, firmly backing Australia to reclaim the prestigious trophy. Ponting, known for his keen insights into the game, acknowledged that while Australia is likely to come out on top, there are factors that could influence the series. His prediction takes into account the possibility of interruptions due to weather conditions and the inevitability of a draw in one of the matches, reflecting a realistic assessment of the series dynamics.
“I’m obviously going to tip Australia to win and I’m never going to tip against Australia. There will be a draw somewhere and there will be some bad weather somewhere, so I’m going to say 3-1 to Australia,” said Ponting in the recent edition of the ICC Review.
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Key players to watch
The series is expected to feature some of the biggest names in cricket, with key players from both sides set to play pivotal roles. For India, the spotlight will be on Virat Kohli, who remains one of the most formidable batsmen in the world, Rohit Sharma, whose leadership and batting prowess will be critical, and Jasprit Bumrah, whose pace and precision can trouble any batting lineup. Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja‘s all-round capabilities and Ravichandran Ashwin‘s spin will be crucial in subduing the Australian batsmen.
On the Australian side, Steve Smith will be essential in anchoring the batting, while Mitchell Starc‘s left-arm pace could be a game-changer in the day-night Test in Adelaide. Pat Cummins, leading Australia as captain, will spearhead the bowling attack, aiming to outclass the Indian batting order, and Nathan Lyon‘s spin will play a vital role, particularly in the latter stages of the series. The performances of these star players, along with others like Marnus Labuschagne and Shubman Gill, will likely determine the outcome of what promises to be a fiercely contested series.
