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The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has delivered unparalleled drama and surprises, keeping cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. With Australia leading the series 2-1 after a dominant display in Melbourne, the stakes are sky-high as the action shifts to Sydney. The upcoming fifth Test at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7 will be the ultimate decider – whether India retains the coveted trophy or Australia reclaims it after years of longing.
Melbourne Test: A tale of missed opportunities
India’s valiant effort in the Melbourne Test was undone by a catastrophic collapse in the final session, where they lost seven wickets for just 34 runs. The heroics of Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar provided glimpses of hope, but they could not stave off defeat. Australia’s resounding win in the Boxing Day Test has left the Indian camp with everything to play for in Sydney. Rohit Sharma and his men are now in a must-win scenario to keep their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final hopes alive while ensuring the BGT remains in their grasp.
High stakes in the Sydney finale
The Sydney Test holds immense significance for both teams. For India, a victory would mean retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and staying in contention for a spot in the 2025 WTC final. On the other hand, Australia will look to close the series with a historic triumph, ending their series drought against India on home soil. The clash promises to be a high-octane battle, with the visitors aiming for redemption and the hosts looking to cement their dominance.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Michael Clarke predicts Sydney Test as a farewell game for an Australian veteran
Predictions from Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist
As excitement builds for the decisive Test, cricketing legends Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist have weighed in on their expectations, providing a clear vote of confidence in the Australian team. Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, both experts predicted an Australian victory in the final Test over India. With the BGT and a place in the WTC final at stake, Gilchrist and Vaughan firmly believe Australia’s hunger for victory will propel them to a series-clinching win.
Vaughan, known for his incisive cricketing insights, declared confidently, “Australia, and that will be 3-1,”. Gilchrist, one of the most influential players in cricket history, aligned with Vaughan’s prediction, stating, “Australia, I think Australia,”.
