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India‘s upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia comes at a critical juncture, especially following a crushing 0-3 defeat by New Zealand at home. This loss has raised fresh concerns about India’s readiness to face Australia, arguably one of the world’s best Test teams. Despite dominating Australia in the last decade, including two series wins in Australia, India will face a stiffer challenge this time around, testing both the resilience and form of the team.
On the other hand, Australia will likely sees this as their best opportunity in a decade to finally defeat India in a Test series. With India’s dominance on the Australian home soil over the years, this series represents a crucial chance for Australia to turn the tables, particularly if they can capitalize on key player form and favourable conditions.
BGT 2024-25: Series schedule and venues
The BGT 2024-25 will be contested across five Tests, each set in an iconic Australian venue, presenting India with unique challenges. The series will kick off at Perth Stadium from November 22 to 26, followed by a Day-Night encounter at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, and the teams will then meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The final Test is scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7. This series will test India’s adaptability and stamina across varying conditions, from Perth’s pace-friendly pitch to Adelaide’s challenging Day-Night setup.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sunil Gavaskar predicts the winner, scoreline of BGT 2024-25 after India’s whitewash against New Zealand
AB de Villiers’ prediction for the Border Gavaskar Trophy
South African legend AB de Villiers has weighed in on the series, predicting a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Australia. According to De Villiers, Australia will start the series strongly with a win in the first Test in Perth, while he sees India’s best chance in the Day-Night Test at Adelaide Oval. He expects the third Test in Brisbane to end in a draw due to the favourable batting conditions, with Australia bouncing back to claim the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. According to the former batting legend, the final Test in Sydney is also anticipated to be closely contested, likely ending in a draw.
“Australia India five Test match series, i honestly think Australia will win the series. I think they’re going to start with the bang and win the first one (in Perth). Then both the side will go to Adelaide, that’s India’s best chance so i will go with India there. The third Test in Brisbane is going with a draw on a very good wicket. I will go with the Australia to win at the MCG with fourth and the final one is Sydney will be a draw again,” De Villiers said on his Youtube channel.
