Later this year, Team India will travel to Australia for a five-match Test series. The series, scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth, mark the latest chapter in the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) rivalry between the two cricketing giants. This series holds immense significance, as both teams aim to assert dominance and secure a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Indian cricket team will set their sights on retaining the trophy and creating history on Australian soil.

Schedule breakdown of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

The series opener is slated to take place in Perth, where the fast, bouncy conditions are expected to favor the home side. Following the opening match, the prestigious Adelaide Oval will host a day-night Test from December 6, allowing both teams to test their skills under the lights. Brisbane will then host the third Test from December 14 to 18, with the final two matches scheduled at iconic venues – Melbourne (December 26-30) for the traditional Boxing Day Test, and Sydney (January 3-7) to close out the series. The outcome of this tour could significantly impact India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final, which is scheduled for June 2025 in England.

India aiming for historic Test series hat-trick on Australian soil

India are on the verge of achieving a historic feat as they head into this series. Under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India will be eyeing their third consecutive Test series win in Australia, having previously triumphed in 2018-19 and 2020-21. If successful, India will become the first Asian team to record a Test series hat-trick in Australia. Given that Australia are the reigning WTC, this achievement would elevate India’s stature as one of the most formidable cricketing nations. Team India, bolstered by a blend of experience and emerging talent, are eager to cement their legacy in the annals of cricket history.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik picks perfect replacements for Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane ahead of BGT 2024-25

Dinesh Karthik’s bold prediction: Australia hold the upper hand

Ahead of the high-octane series, former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shared his insights, predicting a tough challenge for India. Karthik acknowledged that although India have a chance to make history, Australia holds the upper hand on their home turf.

“I can’t tell the exact score line, but I do think Australia have the upper hand. It’s going to be very hard for India to beat them on Australian shores for the third time on the bounce.  They will face an in-form Australian side. It’s not by chance they won the World Test Championship last time. It’s no easy task. But if India do it, it will be one of the greatest things the Indian cricket team has ever achieved, no doubt about it.” Karthik stated during an interview with Cricbuzz.

Australia seeking redemption

While India dominated the Test series on their home soil earlier this year, Australia managed to exact some revenge by winning the 2023 WTC Final. Pat Cummins and his side outclassed India in the WTC final held in June, further intensifying the rivalry between the two teams. Despite India’s recent dominance in bilateral series, Australia will be eager to reclaim their place as victors in the BGT, making this upcoming series a battle for redemption. With India last defeating Australia in their 2023 home series 2-1, the stakes for the series in Australia have never been higher.

Also READ: Not Virat Kohli! Nathan Lyon warns Australia about an Indian batter who will be difficult to stop in BGT 2024-25

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